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12 Quick Meal Ideas Featuring Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is among our favourite foods for quick and affordable lunches and dinners. It’s the starting point of many meals and, with its small size, can easily be added to one’s lunch box. We already know it’s great in a sandwich, but we love that it can complete a green salad, a pasta dish or be used as a topping. Here are a few must-try recipes.

1. Tuna, Olive and Tomato Penne

Whip up this delicious and affordable pasta dish using pantry ingredients, beginning with canned tuna. Along with canned tomatoes and olives, as well as Parmesan cheese and anchovies, you’ve got a quick and easy meal that looks as if it’s been simmering all afternoon.

2. Vegetable and Tuna Salad

Switch things up from your usual tuna salad by preparing this recipe that includes turnips, fennel and thinly sliced radishes marinated in a mirin and rice vinegar mixture. Combine with cucumber and broccoli florets and then serve the tuna on top for a fresh and crunchy meal.

3. Hearty Lentil, Chickpea and Vegetable Soup

To prepare this cozy recipe, start by browning the zucchini and pepper with some spices, add the broth and legumes and let it simmer. Once the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened, add the spinach. Top with some tuna, which completes this delicious, practical and hearty soup.

4. Nicoise-Style Salad with Spicy Pita

Load up on veggies in this Nicoise-inspired salad that combines tuna with olives and beans. It’s a fresh and nutritious meal that also includes pieces of spicy pita for added texture with each bite.

5. Warm Tuna and Broccoli Pasta Salad

For a quick, delicious and satiating lunch, try this colourful proposition. Prepare a canned tuna mixture that includes broccoli, cilantro, green onions and tomatoes, and then toss with the pasta. Each bite will be completely delectable.

6. Tuna and Miso Wraps

This wrap recipe is definitely a switch from the usual tuna and mayo sandwiches! First, spread the tortillas with an avocado and spinach purée. For a touch of originality, add crunchy marinated veggies, a miso and sesame tuna salad, and crushed dried ramen noodles. It’s a meal that’ll prove itself come lunchtime.

7. Vermicelli Salad with Spicy Tuna

In this carefully thought-out cold salad, canned tuna is paired with rice vermicelli, pickled julienned carrots and mango. A curry mayonnaise also adds a bold and surprising flavour. Generously garnished with fresh herbs, this family-friendly dish is a combination of a poke bowl and spring rolls.

8. Tuna, Caramelized Onion and Kale Pasta

In this perfect weeknight recipe, the creamy pasta is garnished with canned tuna and kale, as well as caramelized onions to add a delightful sweet flavour. Be sure to add it to your regular recipe rotation.

9. Tuna Melt

A tuna melt is essentially a warm tuna and cheese sandwich. In this version, the tuna is mixed with a lightly spicy mayonnaise that’s sandwiched between two slices of gooey cheese. Spread mayonnaise on the outer side of the bread slices and then place them inside the sandwich press for a lovely golden colour and a crisp texture.

10. Tagliatelle with Tuna Bolognese

Once more, canned tuna brings loads of flavour to this sauce made with tomato paste, Parmesan cheese and cream. You’ll absolutely love this dish that’s practically ready at the snap of your fingers.

11. Zucchini Salad with Grapes and Tuna

Canned tuna is a popular option for low-cost meal prep. Who doesn’t enjoy a no-cook tuna recipe? This salad includes fresh grapes for a burst of sweetness and tender zucchini and onion, which are all mixed with pesto. Then top the salad with a white bean purée for a touch of creaminess. Quick and easy!

12. Basic Tuna Filling (for Sandwiches)

No choice but to go back to basics with this canned tuna filling that’s perfect for last-minute lunches. For even more protein, add white kidney beans before blending it in a food processor.

For more recipes to cook with canned goods, read this article: