7 Delicious Meals You Can Make With a Can of Tuna

Canned tuna deserves more credit than it gets. It is inexpensive, shelf-stable, and an easy way to add protein to meals when you need something quick. But there is much more you can do with a can than mix it with mayonnaise for a sandwich. From crispy tuna cakes to warm pasta and loaded nachos, these simple ideas can help you turn this pantry staple into meals and snacks that feel completely different from one another.

Give Classic Tuna Salad a Fresh Upgrade

Tuna salad does not have to mean tuna, mayonnaise, and little else. Add chopped celery, apples, dill pickles, red onion, or fresh herbs for extra crunch and flavor. For a tangier version, replace some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and add Dijon mustard or lemon juice. Serve it on toast, over greens, or tucked into a wrap for an easy lunch.

Fill Avocado Halves for a No-Cook Lunch

Turn a ripe avocado into an edible bowl for a quick lunch that requires little preparation. Mix drained tuna with lemon juice, herbs, diced vegetables, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt before piling it into the avocado halves. You can also add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or chopped jalapeño for extra flavor. This works especially well when you want something filling without turning on the stove.

Make a Tuna Melt with Better Toppings

A tuna melt is an easy way to turn leftover tuna salad into a hot meal. Spread the tuna mixture over sturdy bread and add sliced tomato, cheddar, Swiss, or another cheese that melts well. Place it under the broiler or in a skillet until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted. A little Dijon mustard, sliced jalapeño, or thinly sliced red onion can give the familiar sandwich a fresh twist.

Toss It Into a Quick Pantry Pasta

Canned tuna can turn a few basic pantry ingredients into a surprisingly satisfying dinner. Toss it with cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and vegetables, then add capers or olives for a briny Mediterranean-style flavor. A splash of pasta water helps bring everything together without needing a heavy sauce. Keep ingredients such as canned tuna and pasta on hand for those nights when dinner needs to happen without a grocery trip.

Make Crispy Tuna Cakes

Tuna cakes are a smart way to give canned tuna a completely different texture. Combine drained tuna with an egg, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and a little mustard, then shape the mixture into small patties. Pan-cook them until both sides are crisp and golden, then serve with lemon wedges or a simple dipping sauce. They can work as a main dish alongside a salad or as a smaller appetizer.

Build a Tuna Bowl Around What You Have

A tuna bowl is an easy way to use up odds and ends in the refrigerator. Start with rice, quinoa, greens, or another grain, then add tuna and whatever vegetables you have available. Finish it with a flavorful dressing such as a lemon vinaigrette, sesame-ginger sauce, or spicy mayo. Because the ingredients are interchangeable, this is an especially useful option for quick lunches and leftover vegetables.

Turn Tuna Into Loaded Nachos

For something completely different, use seasoned tuna as a topping for a tray of nachos. Layer tortilla chips with tuna, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and black beans before baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add salsa, avocado, green onions, or Greek yogurt after baking for even more flavor. It is an easy way to turn a can of tuna into a fun snack or casual meal instead of another sandwich.

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