Looking for what to add to canned tuna beyond mayo? Here are some creative new ideas for what to make with canned tuna for a satisfying meal from the pantry.
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Penelope Wall oversees the digital editorial vision of EatingWell—drawing on both her passion for food, wellness and storytelling and over 20 years experience in digital content strategy and editorial. Penelope has a bachelor's degree in English and studio art and a minor in French from Middlebury College.
Updated on August 19, 2022
Reviewed by Dietitian
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Reviewed by DietitianJessica Ball, M.S., RD
Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, is nutrition editor for EatingWell. She is a registered dietitian with a master's in food, nutrition and sustainability. In addition toEatingWell, her work has appeared inFood & Wine,Real Simple,Parents,Better Homes and GardensandMyRecipes.
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I can think of so many reasons to adore the humble canned tuna fish: It's affordable. It's high in omega-3 fats (psst… those are the ones that are good for your heart, your mood and your skin). I love that I can store it in my cupboard until just when I need it. And it's such a versatile ingredient. Plus, canned albacore tuna has low levels of mercury and is a sustainable choice if it's labeled as troll- or pole-caught, from the U.S. or British Columbia. Another healthy choice is chunk light tuna, which comes from the smaller skipjack or yellowfin, and has less mercury than canned white albacore tuna.
Classic mayo-based tuna salad has a place in my heart. But when I think of drenching the poor canned fish in so much heavy mayonnaise you need an ice cream scoop just to ladle it onto your sandwich, I feel like there needs to be an intervention.
Step away from the mayo, folks! Adding just a few fresh and nutritious ingredients can help elevate a simple can of tuna from pantry staple to an elegant, satisfying meal. Dress up your canned tuna in these healthy recipes.
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1. Tuna Cakes: Add Eggs, Herbs & Breadcrumbs
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Dried herbs, white beans and canned tuna come together in these easy tuna cakes served over greens. A lemony dressing ties this quick dinner together.
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2. One-Pot Pasta: Add Pasta, Olives & Lemon
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Use the one-pot pasta cooking method to make this tuna pasta recipe that calls for just 5 ingredients and is ready in just over half an hour. For extra crunch and a tuna noodle casserole feel, sprinkle this speedy pasta dish with toasted whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs.
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3. Tuna Melt: Add Greek Yogurt, Veggies, Cheese & Bread
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This variation of a classic sandwich uses mayonnaise, but not where you think! Mayo is brushed on the outside of the sandwich in place of butter to make the sandwich golden and crispy as it heats in a skillet. Plain Greek yogurt takes mayo's place in the salad—along with crunchy celery, roasted red bell peppers and scallions—for a satisfying lunch with less saturated fat.
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4. Niçoise Salad: Add Potatoes, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Green Beans & Dressing
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This colorful platter salad with origins in the south of France makes a well-balanced and satisfying hot-weather meal. Coating the potatoes in dressing while they are still hot helps them absorb the flavors.
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5. Tuna Salad Spread: Add Avocado, Greek Yogurt, Herbs & Spices
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This healthy twist on tuna salad uses avocado and Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. Serve it on cucumber slices, butter lettuce leaves or whole-grain crackers.
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