Looking for canned tuna recipes? This article provides a variety of delicious and easy meal ideas. From quick lunches to hearty dinners, find something new! Let’s explore canned tuna possibilities.
Delicious Canned Tuna Recipes: Quick & Easy Ideas
Canned tuna is a versatile and cost-effective option for many meals. However, many people need new ideas. Therefore, we have compiled a collection of great canned tuna recipes. Indeed, these are simple to make and delicious to eat.
Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich
Firstly, the classic tuna salad sandwich is a simple and popular canned tuna recipe. Moreover, it’s perfect for a quick lunch. Therefore, this recipe will become a staple. Let’s delve into the details, making sure we create the perfect tuna salad. The key is to get the right balance of flavors and textures. The celery and onion should be finely chopped, adding a nice refreshing crunch. Additionally, the mayonnaise should be good quality, giving a creamy texture and binding everything together well.
- Ingredients:
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices bread
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Directions:
- Initially, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion in a bowl. Be sure to break up the tuna chunks, creating a smoother texture.
- Next, season with salt and pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Some people may prefer a little extra salt, while others might like a dash of black pepper.
- Then, spread the tuna salad mixture onto four slices of bread. Make sure to spread it evenly, ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
- Afterward, add lettuce leaves, if desired. This provides a bit of extra freshness and nutrients to your sandwich.
- Finally, top with the remaining slices of bread. Gently press the top slice of bread to the sandwich, so that it holds together nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 380 calories per sandwich.
Tuna Melts (Canned Tuna Recipes)
Another great canned tuna recipe is tuna melts. Indeed, these are warm and comforting. Furthermore, they are incredibly easy to prepare. The magic of a tuna melt lies in its simplicity, the melted cheese and the warm, crispy bread. Choosing the right cheese can also make a difference; cheddar provides a nice tangy flavor, while Monterey Jack will give a milder, creamier taste. Additionally, toasting the bread beforehand gives it an extra layer of crispness that compliments the warm tuna filling.
- Ingredients:
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices bread
- 4 slices cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Directions:
- To begin, mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and celery in a bowl. Again, be sure to break apart the tuna properly. This allows the flavors to mix together better.
- Next, season with salt and pepper. At this point, you can also add other seasonings that you enjoy, such as garlic powder or a dash of paprika.
- Then, spread the tuna mixture onto two slices of bread.
- Afterward, top with cheese slices. Ensure the cheese covers the tuna mix.
- Following this, top with the remaining two slices of bread to create sandwiches.
- Finally, grill or toast until golden brown and cheese is melted. This step is important to ensure that the bread gets crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 400 calories per sandwich.
Tuna Pasta Salad (Canned Tuna Recipes)
Tuna pasta salad is, undoubtedly, a refreshing and satisfying canned tuna recipe. Moreover, it’s ideal for picnics or potlucks. Therefore, consider this a great side or light meal. The key to a great tuna pasta salad is the dressing, which gives the dish its characteristic flavor. Balsamic drizzling provides a nice tang, while the vegetables add freshness. Additionally, make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, so it holds its shape in the salad.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (such as rotini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons balsamic drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- First, cook pasta according to package directions. Then, drain and let it cool. Rinsing the pasta in cold water will help to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Next, in a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, and bell pepper. Make sure to combine the ingredients properly.
- Then, add balsamic drizzling. This gives the salad its unique and delicious taste.
- Afterward, season with salt and pepper. Again, make sure to adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Finally, mix everything well. Chill before serving. This step is very important, as chilling the salad allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 420 calories per serving.
Tuna Patties (Canned Tuna Recipes)
Tuna patties are another fantastic canned tuna recipe. Specifically, they are a fun and tasty way to use canned tuna. Also, they are great for both lunch or dinner. The key to making great tuna patties is to ensure that they are not too dry or too wet. The breadcrumbs bind the mixture together. Additionally, the chopped parsley provides some freshness and flavor. Searing them in a pan until golden brown makes them nice and crispy.
- Ingredients:
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Directions:
- Initially, mix together the drained tuna, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and parsley in a bowl. Be sure to get an even mix.
- Next, season with salt and pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Then, form the mixture into patties. You can use your hands, or a spoon, and make sure that the patties are all roughly the same size and shape.
- Afterward, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before you add the patties, ensuring a nice sear.
- Subsequently, cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be careful when you flip them so that they don’t break apart.
- Finally, serve with lemon wedges. The lemon provides a nice, refreshing tang that compliments the flavor of the tuna.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 320 calories per serving.
More Canned Tuna Meal Ideas
Need even more canned tuna recipes? Here are some other options. Specifically, these range from simple snacks to complete meals. Thus, consider these choices.
Spicy Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Spicy tuna stuffed avocado is a refreshing and protein-rich canned tuna recipe. It is, indeed, a great option for a light lunch or snack. Furthermore, it’s easy to customize with your favorite flavors. This is a simple but delicious dish where the smooth avocado is a great vessel for the spicy tuna. The sriracha adds a nice heat, while the lime juice brings some acidity.
- Ingredients:
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- First, in a bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice. Mix all of the ingredients together well.
- Next, season with salt and pepper. This is where you can adjust to your preference, making it more or less spicy.
- Then, fill each avocado half with the spicy tuna mixture. Be sure to fill each avocado half generously.
- Finally, garnish with sliced green onion. This adds an extra bit of freshness and a nice color to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 350 calories per serving.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Mediterranean tuna salad offers a different twist on canned tuna recipes. It is, chiefly, a satisfying and flavorful meal. Also, it’s packed with fresh vegetables. This is a more sophisticated take on a classic tuna salad, using a mix of fresh vegetables and a simple dressing. Kalamata olives give a nice, salty, briny flavor. Additionally, the dried oregano adds an earthy note that compliments the other ingredients well.
- Ingredients:
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Initially, combine the drained tuna, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives in a bowl. Make sure to chop the vegetables evenly.
- Next, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. The olive oil gives a rich texture, while the lemon juice adds a bright refreshing tang.
- Then, add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Finally, toss to combine well. Serve immediately or chill. This can be eaten right away, or you can chill it first.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 300 calories per serving.
Tuna and White Bean Salad
Tuna and white bean salad is a hearty and healthy canned tuna recipe. It is, undoubtedly, a great way to add fiber and protein. Moreover, it makes a complete light meal. The cannellini beans provide a creamy texture that goes well with the tuna. The minced garlic adds a nice, pungent flavor, while the fresh parsley provides a bit of freshness.
- Ingredients:
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- First, combine the drained tuna, cannellini beans, and red onion in a bowl. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Next, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. This creates a simple, but delicious dressing.
- Then, add minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Make sure to sprinkle them evenly over the salad.
- Finally, toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill. You can enjoy this warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 330 calories per serving.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food and an excellent canned tuna recipe. It is, specifically, a satisfying and easy meal. Also, it’s a family favorite. This recipe is a classic for a reason, with the creamy sauce, tender noodles and flaky tuna all being a great combination. The shredded cheddar cheese and crushed potato crackers on top adds a nice crispy texture.
- Ingredients:
- 1 (10 ounce) package egg noodles
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crushed potato crackers
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Initially, cook egg noodles according to package directions. Make sure not to overcook the noodles, as they’ll become mushy.
- Next, drain the noodles and set aside. You can rinse them with cold water.
- Then, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and milk in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together well.
- Afterward, add the cooked noodles and stir to mix well. Make sure everything is combined evenly.
- Subsequently, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Then, top with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed potato crackers. These will create a delicious, golden crust.
- Finally, drizzle with melted butter and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Make sure the cheese is nicely melted and the topping is golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 450 calories per serving.
Tuna and Black Bean Salad
Tuna and black bean salad provides a healthy and protein-rich canned tuna recipe. It is, basically, a great option for a quick lunch. Moreover, it is full of flavor. The black beans and tuna give you a big boost of protein, and the chopped tomatoes and red onion provide some freshness and a nice flavor. The lime juice brings in a refreshing tang.
- Ingredients:
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- First, mix together the drained tuna, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl. Make sure the ingredients are well combined.
- Next, drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. This creates a simple but great tasting dressing.
- Then, add chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Finally, toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill. Enjoy this right away or you can let it chill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 310 calories per serving.
Tuna Fried Rice
Tuna fried rice is an easy and flexible canned tuna recipe. It is, specifically, a perfect way to use leftover rice. Also, it’s a quick and satisfying meal. Using leftover rice is great here, as it’ll fry up nicely. The frozen peas and carrots are a convenient way to add vegetables, and the soy sauce and sesame oil give it a great flavor.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice, chilled
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Directions:
- Initially, heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Be sure that the oil is hot before adding the eggs.
- Next, add beaten eggs and cook until scrambled. Remove and set aside. This will allow you to add them back in later.
- Then, add frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook until heated. This will ensure that they are thawed properly.
- Afterward, add the cooked rice and drained tuna. Cook until heated. Break up any rice clumps.
- Subsequently, drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. This will give the fried rice its characteristic flavor.
- Then, add the scrambled eggs and green onion. Mix well.
- Finally, stir to combine. Serve hot. Enjoy it right away.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kcal: approximately 360 calories per serving.
Adding Variety to Your Canned Tuna Recipes Cooking
Exploring new methods of cooking with canned tuna is very important, to ensure you don’t get bored with eating it. Indeed, there are numerous ways to enhance its flavor and versatility. Therefore, try variations on existing recipes. Moreover, use different seasonings, vegetables, or cheeses. Additionally, experiment with different compatible carbohydrates like whole grain bread or crackers. Furthermore, consider adding spices like cumin, chili powder, or paprika to give the canned tuna a warm, earthy flavor. Finally, always remember the freshness of the ingredients will greatly improve your dish.
Tips for Storing and Using Canned Tuna Recipes
Storing canned tuna is easy because it’s compatible with shelf storage. However, once you open it, use it within 1-2 days. Therefore, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. Furthermore, when you are selecting your canned tuna, be conscious of the varieties, such as water-packed or oil-packed, as well as the type of tuna like light or white, as they may affect the taste and calories of your dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these canned tuna recipes offer a range of easy and delicious meals. Therefore, from quick salads to warm casseroles, there are plenty of ways to enjoy canned tuna. Consequently, these recipes provide a cost-effective and convenient option. Thus, explore these great ideas and make the most of canned tuna.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What can I mix canned tuna with?
You can mix canned tuna with various ingredients. For example, try mayonnaise, celery, onion, or vegetables. Other good options include balsamic drizzling, sriracha, and lime juice.
What is a good way to eat canned tuna?
A good way to eat canned tuna includes sandwiches, melts, salads, and patties. Additionally, consider adding it to pasta, stuffing avocados, or making a casserole.
How do you jazz up a can of tuna?
To “jazz up” canned tuna, add seasoning like salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Also, use fresh vegetables, drizzling, or spicy sauces to improve the flavor.
What is good to mix with tuna other than mayonnaise?
Good things to mix with tuna other than mayonnaise include olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, balsamic drizzling, sriracha, and avocado. These variations provide different flavors.
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