10+ Tuna Recipes to Try for Quick and Delicious Meals

Tuna is a popular and versatile ingredient you can use in many different recipes. Whether you want something quick or more filling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy tuna.

Tuna recipes give you simple, tasty options that work for any meal of the day.

You might already have canned tuna in your pantry. This makes it easy to create dishes without much prep.

Tuna mixes well with fresh ingredients or cooks in various styles to fit your taste and time. Exploring tuna recipes helps you find meals that are convenient and satisfying.

1) Easy Tuna Patties with Lemon and Herbs

You can make easy tuna patties using simple ingredients like canned tuna, fresh lemon, and herbs. These patties have a bright flavor from lemon juice and zest.

Adding parsley or chives gives them a fresh, mild taste. Mixing in breadcrumbs helps the patties hold together.

A little egg binds everything so the patties don’t fall apart while cooking. Pan-fry the patties until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Serve these tuna patties with a dipping sauce or a fresh salad. They work great for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of tuna (drained)
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or chives
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Details from a reliable tuna patties recipe.

2) Tuna Rice Bowl with Sriracha and Sesame

You can make a tasty tuna rice bowl quickly by combining cooked rice with spicy tuna. Use canned tuna mixed with sriracha, soy sauce, and a little sesame oil for flavor.

This mix gives your bowl a nice kick and a nutty touch. Add some chopped green onions and red bell pepper for crunch.

Top your bowl with sesame seeds for extra texture. Drizzle a bit of lemon juice or rice vinegar for brightness if you like.

Serve it warm or cold. This dish is great for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or rice vinegar (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix tuna, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
2. Fold in green onions and red bell pepper.
3. Place the rice in a serving bowl.
4. Top rice with the tuna mixture.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
6. Add lemon juice or rice vinegar if using.
7. Serve immediately.

For more details, try this spicy tuna rice bowl recipe.

3) Classic Tuna Salad with Celery and Onion

You can make a simple and tasty tuna salad with just a few fresh ingredients. Start with canned tuna, which is easy to use and full of protein.

Adding chopped celery gives the salad a nice crunch. Onion adds a bit of sharp flavor.

Mix these with mayonnaise to make the salad creamy. A little lemon juice brightens the taste and keeps it fresh.

Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. This salad works great on bread or over a bed of greens.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the tuna, celery, and onion.
2. Add mayonnaise and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are blended.
4. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving if you like it cold.

4) Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

You can make a quick and tasty Mediterranean tuna pasta with simple ingredients. Combine canned tuna with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives.

Add capers and mozzarella cheese for tang and creaminess. Toss everything together with some olive oil and lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.

This pasta works well warm or chilled. It’s easy to prepare and great for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 can tuna (in olive oil or water)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tbsp capers
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine tuna, tomatoes, red onion, olives, capers, and mozzarella.
3. Add cooked pasta to the bowl. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mix.
4. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve immediately or keep chilled in the fridge until ready to eat.

Get the full details at Mediterranean Tuna Pasta.

5) Tuna and Tomato Salad with Vinegar Dressing

Start with ripe tomatoes and good quality canned tuna. The flavors of the tuna and tomatoes work great together.

Add thin slices of red onion for crunch and sharpness. Dress it with a mixture of olive oil and vinegar for a light zing.

Sprinkle some black pepper and fresh parsley on top. You can add capers if you want.

This salad is quick to make and feels special.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can tuna, drained
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon capers (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Arrange tomatoes on a plate.
2. Place tuna evenly over the tomatoes.
3. Scatter red onion and capers on top.
4. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar evenly.
5. Sprinkle parsley and black pepper last.
6. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes.

6) Teriyaki Tuna Patties

Teriyaki tuna patties are great when you want something tasty and simple. Mix canned or fresh tuna with bread crumbs, egg, garlic, and green onions.

Add soy sauce and teriyaki sauce for flavor. Shape the mixture into small patties.

Cook them in a little oil until golden brown on both sides. These patties work well as a snack or a main dish.

Serve them with a side salad or in a bun like a burger.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 oz each) solid white tuna, drained
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix tuna, bread crumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form mixture into patties.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
4. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

For more details, check this Teriyaki Tuna Patties Recipe.

7) Avocado Tuna Salad

Avocado tuna salad is a creamy and fresh way to enjoy tuna. The avocado adds a smooth texture that mixes well with the flaky tuna.

Add chopped onion, celery, and a bit of lemon juice for extra flavor. This salad is quick to make and perfect for a light lunch or a snack.

It’s healthy, packed with protein, and easy to customize with your favorite veggies. Enjoy it on bread, crackers, or in a lettuce wrap.

Add a little salt and pepper to taste, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 cans tuna in water, drained
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine tuna, avocado, onion, and celery in a bowl.
2. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently until well combined.
4. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

For more details, see the Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe on The Kitchn.

8) Tuna Casserole with a Lighter Twist

You can make a lighter version of tuna casserole that still tastes great. Instead of using heavy cream soups, mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Add fresh or frozen peas and some greens like spinach or kale to boost nutrition. Use whole wheat egg noodles or pasta for extra fiber.

Try a small amount of shredded cheese for flavor instead of topping it with potato chips or breadcrumbs. This keeps the casserole lighter but still satisfying.

This easy, lighter casserole cooks in one pot and is perfect for a quick dinner. It’s simple and uses common ingredients you likely have at home.

Ingredients

• Egg noodles or whole wheat pasta, cooked
• Canned tuna, drained
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Frozen peas
• Fresh spinach or kale
• Parmesan or cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, tuna, sour cream, peas, greens, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese melts.

Learn more from this Easy One-Pot Light Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe.

9) Spaghetti al Tonno

Spaghetti al Tonno is a simple and tasty dish you can make quickly. It uses canned tuna, which makes it great for busy nights.

The flavors come together with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes tomatoes. You don’t need many ingredients, but each one adds a lot of taste.

This dish feels fresh but takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. You can add a little red pepper flakes if you like a mild kick.

Fresh parsley on top brightens it up. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
• 1 can solid white tuna in olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add tuna and tomatoes (if using). Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Toss the spaghetti into the pan and mix well.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want.
7. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve.

10) Asian Tuna Salad with Scallions and Sesame

This Asian tuna salad is fresh and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy the crunch from scallions and the nutty taste of sesame oil.

It’s a simple dish for lunches or quick dinners. The dressing mixes soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little rice vinegar.

It adds a light, tangy flavor. You can eat this salad on its own or put it on greens or crackers.

Shredded carrots and radishes add a nice texture. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and color.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of tuna, drained
• 3 scallions, sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 4 radishes, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar until combined.
2. Add tuna, scallions, carrots, and radishes to the bowl.
3. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.