Recipe Roundup

27 Canned Tuna Recipes That Go Way Beyond Tuna Salad

Wondering what to do with tuna? There are many delicious possibilities.

June 1, 2020

One of canned tuna recipes is this vibrant carrot and radish salad.

Tuna salad is a classic dish, but if you're wondering what to do with tuna beyond that old standby, you're in luck. There are plenty of more exciting canned tuna recipes, including flavorful pasta, flaky empanadas, open-faced sandwiches, and fresh salads that never see a drop of mayonnaise. Ahead, discover our 27 best tuna recipes that make for a refreshing lunch or dinner.

Photo by Danny Kim, food and prop styling by Ali Nardi
1/27
Spaghetti with Tuna, Tomatoes, Capers, and Basil
Serve this simple-to-prepare pasta with crusty bread and a glass of rosé. Briny capers and sweet tomatoes partner with tuna for an easy pasta that tastes like a beach vacation.
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Photo by Alex Lau
2/27
Green Goddess Tuna Salad Sandwich
This isn't a boring old tuna salad sandwich. The tuna is folded into a gorgeous green dressing that's packed with basil, parsley, and tarragon.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert
3/27
Tuna Noodle Casserole
This from-scratch tuna noodle casserole is creamy, flavorful, and really easy to throw together; it makes a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner and even freezes well.
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Photo by Chelsie Craig, Prop Styling by Emily Eisen, Food Styling by Molly Baz
4/27
Niçoise Toast
Fried bread is our contribution to the classic Niçoise. Here, oil-packed tuna gets a boost from mayo flavored with garlic, sherry vinegar, and smoked paprika, plus mixed fresh herbs.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food and prop styling by Ali Nardi
5/27
Radish and Carrot Salad with Tuna and Capers
Canned tuna rounds out this crunchy salad and turns it into a light meal.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Katherine Sacks
6/27
Pan Bagnat Sandwich with Tuna, Anchovies, and Parsley
The best thing about this sandwich is it only gets better with age—let it sit for an hour for the flavors to meld.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Liza Jernow
7/27
Tonnato Eggs
Wake up deviled eggs with a bright and briny tonnato-inspired filling. Top with crispy fried capers and salmon roe for extra salty pop.
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Romulo Yanes
8/27
White Bean and Tuna Salad with Radicchio
This colorful salad is fresh and filling—and it packs up well for a picnic. White beans and tuna are a classic combo that takes well to this Parsley Vinaigrette.
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Photo by Lisa Hubbard
9/27
Tuna, Asparagus, and New Potato Salad with Chive Vinaigrette and Fried Capers
All of the components of this salad can be made ahead of time—just toss them all together right before serving.
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Rinne Allen
10/27
Freekeh and Frisée
The cracked green wheat called freekeh is used here because its faint grassy, oceanic aroma complements the tuna so well, but regular cracked wheat or, really, any other whole grain would work well, too.
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Photo by Kyle Johnson
11/27
Pan Bagnat with Fennel
This prep-ahead tuna sandwich gets its flavor from crunchy fennel slices and cucumbers, salty capers and olives, and a generous layer of peppery arugula.
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Photo and Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
12/27
Spicy Tomato–Tuna Noodle Skillet Casserole With Aioli
If you're looking for comfort food, this tuna recipe delivers it in spades. The secret to making it great? Toast the dried pasta in oil until it's golden-brown, which gives it nutty flavor and plenty of texture.
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Patricia Heal
13/27
Tuna Empanada
This tasty empanada is one of our favorite easy tuna recipes. It's baked in one large slab, and it's a great snack for the whole family.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson
14/27
Pantry Pasta Puttanesca
Keep these ingredients stocked in your pantry, and a briny, flavor-packed, classic Italian pasta will always be a dinner option.
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