I always have cans of tuna in my pantry because they are cheap, convenient, and full of protein! Below, I'm sharing 13 easy recipes with canned tuna that you can prepare for healthy lunch or dinner ideas any day of the week.
The best canned tuna recipes
Nothing beats the cost and convenience of canned tuna for high-protein meals on a budget. It's an inexpensive, low-carb ingredient that I've always kept in my pantry for last-minute meals. If you're looking for inspiration or if you've never fully embraced the potential of canned tuna before, I'm here to help.
Why use canned tuna?
If canned tuna has slipped under your radar, I'm sure you're not alone. I swear, canned tuna isn't just for underground bunkers and 1950s pasta casseroles! Canned tuna is:
- Very convenient. From quick lunches to afternoon snacks, canned tuna makes last-minute meals for busy weeknights a breeze. It's one of my pantry must-haves, and starting today, you'll be armed with tons of recipes to turn canned tuna into something healthy and delicious.
- Cheap. Most cans of tuna offer good value for money. You get a lot of protein, minerals and vitamins per can and it's relatively cheap. Additionally, canned tuna is non-perishable, so you can also buy it in bulk.
- Versatile. There's so much more you can do with canned tuna than just the usual tuna sandwich. Below you'll find tasty recipes for salads, lettuce wraps, comfort food casseroles, and even ceviche. All made with canned tuna!
13 healthy recipes with canned tuna
There are so many ways to turn your plain can of tuna into delicious, healthy meals that are anything but simple! I've collected some of my best tuna recipes below:
Canned tuna ceviche
Ceviche always has some sort of sophisticated sound, but this simple homemade ceviche recipe is actually the easiest lunch or snack! It's made with canned tuna seasoned with tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, chili peppers and avocado.
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Tuna croquettes
Whether you cook them in the oven or in the fryer, these quick and tasty tuna croquettes are irresistibly crunchy and delicious. They're kind of like tuna patties, filled with protein-rich canned tuna, potatoes and dill and perfect for dipping! Add them to bowls to make them a meal.
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Tuna pasta salad
Do you like pasta salad, but don't like mayonnaise so much? This nutritious and easy tuna macaroni salad recipe has you covered. This recipe is filled with leafy green arugula, parmesan, and capers, topped with whole-wheat pasta and chunks of canned tuna in a tangy, mayo-free dressing.
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Tuna Egg Salad
Quick, protein-packed meals and lunches don't get better than this light and satisfying egg salad enriched with canned tuna and red onion. It's the best of two classic salads, tasty on its own and equally delicious between two slices of wholemeal!
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Tuna tagliatelle in casserole
No canned tuna list would be complete without a classic tuna casserole. Avoid cream of mushroom soup, I lightened mine up with some simple ingredient swaps. This tuna casserole is a comforting, healthy family meal, packed with flavor and nutrition (for under $10!).
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Open-faced melted tuna sandwich
What can I say? I love an open faced sandwich. This tuna crostini is one of my favorites! Place whole-wheat slices with a healthy tuna and veggie salad on top of a bed of melted cheese for a quick and easy lunch on busy weekdays.
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Tuna salad rolls
This tuna salad recipe is made with nutrient-rich broccoli, crunchy celery, and just a touch of light mayonnaise. Sprinkle it on crunchy endive leaves (or even crackers if you prefer) for a refreshing and healthy snack.
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Deviled eggs with tuna salad
Add extra protein to your classic deviled egg recipe! Mix canned tuna with creamy egg yolks, onions and mayonnaise, then top with a protein-rich hard-boiled egg. Perfect for lunches away from home!
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Tuna and Chickpea Salad
This chickpea and tuna salad is a healthy and complete idea for lunch, quick to prepare and with a super light and fresh flavour. Chickpeas add plenty of fiber to this flavorful tuna salad with capers, kept light without mayonnaise. If you're not a fan of chickpeas, use white beans instead!
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The tuna melts in the tomato
While you're at it, skip the bread altogether and make a tasty tuna melt stuffed with a juicy ripe tomato! Turn a fresh, healthy tuna salad into a light, easy lunch topped with melted cheddar cheese.
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How healthy is canned tuna?
Canned tuna has so many benefits. It's low in calories and relatively cheap while being high in protein and packed with B-complex vitamins, vitamins A and D, and nutrients like omega-3s. Plus, it stays in the pantry forever (OK, maybe not forever. But some cans last up to 2 years or more!). When shopping for tuna, you can also opt for healthier options, such as brands with less added salt or tuna canned in water instead of oil.
What is the best canned tuna to buy?
One of the disadvantages of canned tuna is sustainability and overfishing. That, and another concern is mercury levels. Your best bet when buying canned tuna is to choose certified sustainable brands, like Wild Planet. Choose low-mercury canned varieties, such as light tuna or skipjack tuna.
More easy lunches and light meals
Are you hungry for even more healthy, protein-rich fish recipes and light meal ideas? Definitely check out the recipe finder for more inspiration.
