A lean protein source chock full of vitamins, essential oils, and other nutrients, tuna is a versatile ingredient that can take you halfway to a homecooked meal just by opening a can. Delicious in sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more, this hearty fish should hold a place in every home cook’s pantry. Check out these 10 unexpected, totally appetizing tuna recipes guaranteed to catch rave reviews at dinnertime.
Farro Salad with Tuna. Plant-based powerhouse farro is a hearty, nutty, pantry-friendly grain loaded with fiber and protein. With a little help from your Instant Pot, this filling, flavor-packed meal hits the table in just 20 minutes. Don’t have an instant pot? Farro can be cooked similar to pasta.
Tuna Zoodle Skillet Casserole. Satisfy your pasta craving and keep your carbs under control with this creamy, savory skillet meal featuring fresh zucchini noodles. Look for prepackaged zoodles in the produce aisle or make your own using a mandolin or box grater.
Salad of Green Beans, Tuna, and Pickled Onions. This beautiful salad gets extra zing from quick pickled red onions and sliced radishes. Clocking in at only 215 calories, it’s perfect for a light lunch or or hearty snack.
Open Faced Tuna Melts. Egg salad meets tuna in this unique take on a classic diner meal. Topped with crispy bacon, tomato, and melted Swiss cheese, these mouthwatering melts are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Pantry Pasta with Tuna and Peas. Made with just six kitchen standby ingredients, this endlessly adaptable pasta recipe is one every home cook should know. Featuring the flavors of garlic and lemon, it’s a satisfying meal ready in the time it takes to boil noodles.
Tuna Club Sandwich. Who says you can’t teach an old sandwich new tricks? We switched up turkey for tuna in this hearty sandwich that features an addictively tangy dill pickle mayo.
Whole Grain Penne with Tuna. This budget-friendly pasta dish is deceptively nutritious thanks to a colorful mix of veggies, tuna, and whole grain noodles. No fresh produce on hand? Frozen vegetables, jarred roasted peppers, and dried oregano all make tasty swap-ins.
Zucchini and Asparagus Salad with Tuna. Forget what you know about tuna salad. This five-ingredient, mayo-free game-changer showcases fresh asparagus and green squash bulked up with tuna and the crunch of pistachios.
Tortellini with Tuna and Mushrooms. This luscious, springtime pasta features tender baby bella mushrooms with tuna in a light creamy tomato sauce. Equally delicious with fresh or frozen tortellini, it can also be made with dried or canned mushrooms and onions or scallions instead of leeks.
Tuscan Style Tuna Salad. This Italian import is loaded with the color and crunch of fresh veggies and the filling fiber and protein of chickpeas. Green olives give a briny kick to this mayo-free riff on tuna salad that’s ready in just 15 minutes.