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For Ree Drummond, a well-stocked pantry is a weeknight lifesaver! She keeps things like jarred pesto handy for easy pasta recipes as well as canned beans and veggies for her 7-Can Soup. But one pantry item that often gets forgotten is canned tuna. Though it might not be as trendy as other tinned fish, canned tuna is one of those supermarket staples that can be used in so many ways. Whether it's a classic tuna noodle casserole or a fun party appetizer like spicy tuna wonton cups, this list of canned tuna recipes has something for everyone.
These days, you'll find the grocery store aisles lined with all different types of canned tuna. Some are packed in water, others in oil. Then, there's the different kinds of tuna like albacore and chunk light. Heck, you might even see tuna in pouches or jars! Depending on the canned tuna recipe you choose here, you might want to keep a few different cans readily available in your pantry. The oil-packed tuna would be perfect for adding flavor to a healthy Niçoise salad and jalapeño tuna will give a flavorful punch to the spicy tuna tostadas. Of course, you can't go wrong with family meal ideas like tuna pasta salad or Ree's version of tuna melts that are perfect for a quick weekday lunch.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
This creamy, comforting dish is just like the kind you might have had as a kid. It'll bring back a flood of memories and help you create new memories with your own family, too! Don't forget the potato chips on top.
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Any canned tuna will work for this easy recipe, bur the best option is canned albacore in water. Drain it off, then mix the thick chunks of tuna into the creamy dressing with pasta shells, green peas, crunchy celery, and red bell pepper.
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
Tuna Melt
This is the tuna melt from Ree's childhood. It has a colorful combination of spicy jalapeño, sweet gerkins, and melty Swiss cheese—all served on an English muffin.
Get Ree's Tuna Melt recipe.
Spinach-Artichoke Tuna Noodle Casserole
It's a mash-up of two family favorites: spinach-artichoke dip and tuna noodle casserole! It's creamy, comforting, and perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Crispy Tuna Patties
Along with canned tuna and dried herbs and spices, these patties are held together with parmesan cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Make them in advance and freeze them to make it even easier.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
This is not your average tuna salad—it’s better! Packed with olives, roasted red peppers, and lots of fresh herbs, the healthy lunch is perfect for serving as a salad or sandwich.
Sour Cream and Onion Tuna Noodle Casserole
Made with creamy sour cream, fresh dill, chives, and garlic, this baked noodle dish emulates the flavors of sour cream and onion that you know and love. Oh, and there's sour cream and onion flavored potato chips on top!
Niçoise Salad
This classic French salad is just the way we like our salads to be—filled with mix-ins! You'll find all sorts of tasty additions, like canned tuna, green beans, potatoes, olives, and hard-boiled eggs.
Mini Cajun Tuna Po'Boys
The po'boy is a classic New Orleans sandwich typically made with fried seafood. But in this case, mini crispy tuna balls covered in homemade remoulade sauce make the bite-sized sandwich perfect for those looking to use up a couple of cans of tuna.
Spicy Tuna Wonton Cups
Whether you're watching the big game or hosting guests for a dinner party, these bite-sized finger foods are sure to be a hit! Each crispy wonton is filled with a creamy mixture of tuna, veggies, jalapeños, and shredded cheese.
Get the Spicy Tuna Wonton Cups recipe at The View From Great Island.
Tuna Couscous Salad
This light, refreshing salad would be perfect for cookouts or even potlucks since it can be served cold or at room temperature. In fact, it'll taste even better when it has time to sit and allow the flavors to meld.
Jalapeño Cheddar Tuna Melt
Toasted sourdough bread acts as the base for this open-faced tuna sandwich. Add plenty of melted cheddar cheese and jalapeño for just the right kick.
Get the Jalapeño Cheddar Tuna Melt recipe at Butter Be Ready.
Avocado Tuna Salad
You only need 10 minutes to make this healthy salad recipe. You can think of it like a chunky guacamole with crisp cucumbers and protein-packed tuna.
Sesame Ginger Tuna Lettuce Cups
The key to this fresh and easy lunch recipe is a sweet and tangy homemade ginger dressing. Once the tuna is tossed in the dressing, you can eat it as is or serve it up in crisp lettuce cups for a fun presentation.
Get the Sesame Ginger Tuna Lettuce Cups recipe at Marisa Moore.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt
In the same way that you can make a grilled cheese in an air fryer, you can also make a tuna melt in the air fryer for a quick and easy method. Choose thick slices of Italian or sourdough, then layer on tomatoes if desired.
Tuna Tomato Pasta
This pasta recipe puts your pantry ingredients to good use! Not only will you get to use canned tuna, but there's also jarred marinara sauce, canned anchovies, capers, and dried pasta, too!
Jalapeño Tuna Tostadas
These crispy corn tostadas are topped with jalapeño tuna salad, avocado, red onions, cilantro, and queso fresco. To make it, you'll want to look for packets of tuna packed in water with jalapeño!
Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
Make the classic, creamy tuna casserole even quicker by using your Instant Pot. You only need 15 minutes of prep time, then everything is cooked in the kitchen appliance including the noodles!
Get the Instant Pot Tuna Casserole recipe at Simple Happy Foodie.
Tuna Rice Bowl
The combination of tuna with mayonnaise, Sriracha, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce is both spicy and tangy. Serve it over cooked rice with some diced cucumber for freshness and strips of nori for more umami flavor.
Tuna Pasta with Olive Tapenade and Fresh Tomatoes
If you love the freshness of tomatoes and basil with briny olives, zesty lemon, and good quality tuna, then you'll love this 30-minute dish. It can be served with parmesan shavings for good measure.
Get the Tuna Pasta with Olive Tapenade and Fresh Tomatoes recipe at Feasting at Home.
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