What to Make with Canned Tuna

Wondering what to make with canned tuna? These easy recipes are budget-friendly and super delicious.

close up of pasta salad with flaky canned tuna and fresh herbs.

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If you’ve got a few cans of tuna on hand, you’ve got the makings of a great meal. In fact, the tuna recipes on Good Cheap Eats are some of our most popular.

And for good reason.

Not only is canned tuna readily available and cheap to buy, it’s shelf-stable, meaning you can always have it on hand as for a back-up meal.

We consider it a must-have on the Budget Grocery List.

What is canned tuna?

Canned tuna is cooked fish, usually packaged in oil or water, sold in cans or foil packets. It is available in several different varieties, including skipjack, yellow fin, or albacore.

You may see labels such as solid white (albacore) or chunk light (usually skipjack). The two have different textures, so it’s good to try them both and see what you prefer.

You can even purchase flavored canned tuna, like FishWife’s packed in spicy olive oil or seasoned with lemon. Starkist offers flavored tuna creations as well.

Why Buy Canned Tuna

It’s shelf stable. Canned tuna is a pantry staple that can last a long time, unopened, in the cupboards. It’s a great food to stockpile for an emergency.

It’s cheap. Canned tuna can be a budget protein source that won’t break the bank. Always more affordable than fresh fish, it tends to be more affordable of most proteins in general.

It’s tasty! Prepared well, canned tuna is delicious in sandwiches, salads, and casseroles. In college, my eldest often added it to chili when he wanted more protein. (Definitely, a single guy meal, there.)

It’s quick to prepare. Since it’s already cooked in the can, meals made with this fish are quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for Cold Dinner Ideas & No-Cook Suppers!

two halves of a tuna sandwich, stacked on a white plate, cut side facing the camera.

Ways to Serve Canned Tuna

There are many ways to serve canned tuna, including: sandwiches like tuna salad or the French classic, pan bagnat, pasta dishes, like tuna puttanesca or tuna mac, and salads like the classic Salade Nicoise.

Here are some of our favorite Good Cheap Eats made with canned tuna:

side shot of tuna casserole on a serving spatula.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

This classic tuna noodle casserole is a breeze to make. The homemade white sauce elevates it to something special without being fussy.

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Buffalo Tuna Melt Sandwich

Looking for some ultimate mom food to make sure you eat well every day? Try this Buffalo Tuna Melt Sandwich — so delicious and packed with flavor!

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platter of tuna pasta salad on white table.

Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Take the French classic Nicoise Salade and tweak it with this Tuna Pasta Salad. Filled with tuna, egg, and vegetables but served in a pasta salad, the traditional salad feels new again.

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The Best Tuna Sandwich Recipe

Mix up a tasty tuna salad with dill, lemon, scallion, and celery for the best tuna sandwich recipe. Easy to make and super affordable!

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salad nicoise in a white bowl next to a red check cloth with a fork.

Tuna Salade Nicoise Recipe

Tuna Salad Nicoise is one of the traditional French salads, composed rather than tossed, and featuring fresh vegetables, tiny salty black olives, and tuna.

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Easy Tuna Melt Sandwiches

A tuna salad sandwich and a grilled cheese sandwich get married, making this easy tuna melt, a perfect meal for busy nights or when you want some comfort food.

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Tuna Macaroni Salad

Enjoy this Tuna Macaroni Salad as a cool main dish this summer or as a substantial side dish at your next barbecue. It packs super well for lunch on the go.

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