28 Easy Canned Tuna Recipes for Last-Minute Weeknight Dinners
There's a whole lot more than tuna salad out there.
The long-lasting and versatile pantry staple you probably don't take advantage of as much as you should: canned tuna. You can't go wrong with the classics like tuna salads and melts, but we've rounded up our favorite dishes that put a new, tasty spin on this key ingredient. And they get bonus points because they’re all super quick and easy!
The Best Tuna Salad
Of course the easiest thing you can do with a can of tuna is make the world's most classic Tuna salad. We feel confident you'll like this recipe, with just the right proportions of herbs, veggies, and mayo.
Pair it with crackers, add some pickles, cheese, and fruit to your plate, and you've got a simple snack dinner that can't be beat.
Tuna Melt
Want to make that tuna a little more interesting? Get some bread and some cheese, and cook yourself a tuna melt. There's a reason these sandwiches have been such a big hit for so many years: They're yummy.
Classic Tuna Macaroni Salad
Who doesn't love Tuna Macaroni Salad?
This kid- (and adult-) friendly, super-scoopable dish is a tasty way to fill out picnic plates, and a healthy dinner on its own.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
This classic pantry-food dinner is quick, filling, and, most importantly, yummy.
Salade Niçoise
This classic French picnic salad is elegant and delicious!
Garden Tuna Salad Sandwich
The crisp anise flavor of fresh fennel contrasts nicely with the tart juice of Granny Smith apples, rich mayo, and buttery Boston lettuce. To make this easy canned tuna recipe really satisfying, use classic hot dog rolls, perhaps lightly toasted.
Bow-Tie Salad with Tuna
This simple pantry-based dish has it all: It's elegant, light, and filling. Chickpeas and tuna combine with a little red onion, cucumber, and some tomatoes to make a meal you can feed your family or bring to a potluck for a tasty side.
Salade Provençale with Tuna and Radishes
With tuna, fresh vegetables, and olives, this summery salad packed with protein and vitamins is hearty enough to serve as an entrée.
Get the recipe for Salade Provençale with Tuna and Radishes.
Tuna-Stuffed Tomatoes
When your garden is overflowing with tomatoes, here's an innovative way to keep them from going to waste. A twist on the stuffed pepper, this dish uses capers, fresh celery, and, of course, tuna to make a delicious meal.
Spicy Tuna Puttanesca
Keep this 15-minute pantry recipe in your back pocket to whip out for ultra last-minute dinners.
Rustic Pasta Toss with Tuna and Tomatoes
Another smart pasta-and-tuna combo, this dish leans heavily on summer staples like zucchini and cherry tomatoes, so it's a great choice when your garden is abundant or the farmers' market is in full swing.
Get the recipe for Rustic Pasta Toss with Tuna and Tomatoes.
Cheesy Tuna Toasts with Olive Salsa
These cheesy toasts are the ultimate last-minute dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired dish comes together in just 15 minutes!
Get the recipe for Cheesy Tuna Toasts with Olive Salsa at Dishing Out Health.
Creamy Herb Tuna Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a weeknight standby, but what takes this recipe to the next level are the combo of herbs.
Get the recipe for Creamy Herb Tuna Pasta Salad at Beautiful Eats & Things.
Tuna Croquettes
These tuna croquettes are a fun addition to your weekly dinner plan! You can cook them in your air fryer or bake them, so either way you'll have a delicious dinner ready ASAP.
Get the recipe for Tuna Croquettes at SkinnyTaste.
Avocado Chickpea Tuna Salad
Add some vibrant color and flavor into your weekly dinner rotation with this gorgeous tuna salad!
Get the recipe for Avocado Chickpea Tuna Salad at Cafe Delites.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Super simple weeknight dinner alert! This creamy tuna pasta salad will become an immediate favorite.
Get the recipe for Tuna Macaroni Salad at Jo Cooks.
Crispy Lemon Parmesan Tuna Patties
If you love ordering crab cakes at the nice Sunday brunch place, then give these easy cakes a try. Best part? You can even make them ahead, and then just fry them up when you're ready.
Get the recipe for Crispy Lemon Parmesan Tuna Patties at Whisk It Real Gud.
Tuna Noodle Skillet Casserole
Your favorite tuna casserole just got easier! This version is made all in one skillet and topped with crushed garlic croutons for a little something extra.
Get the recipe for Tuna Noodle Skillet Casserole at I Wash You Dry.
Tuna Stuffed Avocados
These avocados are stuffed with flavorful cilantro-lime tuna salad and are a great option if you need a super fast meal!
Get the recipe for Tuna Stuffed Avocados at Kalyn's Kitchen.
Tuscan Tuna Sandwich
This is not your average tuna sandwich! It's packed with delicious flavors and textures thanks to avocados, cucumbers, and a tahini-basil spread.
Get the recipe for Tuscan Tuna Sandwich at Half Baked Harvest.
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