More Delicious Tuna Recipes

Tuna is a tasty and healthy fish that can be used in many dishes. It’s easy to cook and full of protein. Canned tuna is cheap and lasts a long time in your pantry. Fresh tuna steaks are great for grilling or searing.

You can make lots of yummy meals with tuna, from simple sandwiches to fancy dinners. This article will show you 18 different tuna recipes to try. You’ll learn new ways to use both canned and fresh tuna. These recipes are good for lunch, dinner, or snacks.

1. Tuna Salad with Lemon and Dill

This fresh take on tuna salad brings bright flavors to your plate. You’ll love the zesty lemon and aromatic dill combination.

Start by draining canned tuna well. Mix it with chopped celery for crunch and red onion for a hint of sharpness.

For the dressing, blend mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and zest. Add a touch of Dijon mustard for depth. Sprinkle in fresh dill and season with salt and pepper.

Toss everything together gently. Serve your lemon dill tuna salad on bread, in a wrap, or over crisp lettuce leaves. For extra crunch, top with sliced almonds or cucumber.

2. Honey-Glazed Tuna Steaks

Honey-glazed tuna steaks offer a tasty mix of sweet and savory flavors. You can make this dish quickly and easily.

Start by mixing honey, soy sauce, and lime juice for the glaze. Brush this mixture on your tuna steaks before cooking.

Heat your grill or pan to high. Cook the tuna for about 2 minutes per side. The outside should be seared while the inside stays pink.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped mint on top before serving. This dish goes well with rice or a crisp salad.

3. Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll

Spicy tuna rolls are a tasty and popular sushi option you can make at home. Start by cooking sushi rice and letting it cool. While it cools, cut fresh tuna into small cubes or mince it finely.

Mix the tuna with sriracha sauce, mayonnaise, and a touch of sesame oil for flavor. Some recipes also add soy sauce or tobiko (fish roe) for extra taste and texture.

To assemble the roll, lay out a sheet of nori seaweed on a bamboo mat. Spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a strip bare at one end. Add a line of the spicy tuna mixture.

Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, sealing the edge with water. Slice into pieces and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

4. Tuna Casserole with Cheddar

Tuna casserole with cheddar is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need egg noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, and cheddar cheese.

Cook the noodles until they’re almost done, then drain them. Mix the noodles with flaked tuna, soup, milk, peas, and most of the cheese in a large bowl.

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. For extra crunch, add some crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs.

Bake the casserole at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and makes great leftovers too.

5. Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

Mediterranean tuna pasta combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with quick and easy preparation. You’ll need canned tuna, pasta, olive oil, and some veggies.

Cook your pasta according to the package directions. While it’s cooking, prepare the sauce. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil.

Add tomatoes, olives, and capers to the pan. Stir in the drained tuna and season with herbs like oregano and parsley. Squeeze in some lemon juice for extra zest.

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Top with grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

6. Tuna Melt Sandwich

A tuna melt sandwich is a tasty twist on the classic tuna salad. To make one, mix canned tuna with mayo, diced celery, and minced red onion. Add some Dijon mustard for extra flavor.

Butter one side of two bread slices. Place them butter-side down in a skillet. Top the unbuttered sides with cheese and the tuna mixture.

Cook the sandwich on medium heat for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Flip it carefully and cook the other side. The cheese should be melty and gooey.

You can add sliced tomatoes or pickles for crunch. Serve your tuna melt hot and enjoy the crispy bread and warm, cheesy filling.

7. Nicoise Salad with Tuna

Nicoise salad is a tasty French dish that combines tuna with fresh vegetables. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in this colorful salad.

To make it, cook potatoes and green beans until tender. Add hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and olives. The star of the dish is high-quality tuna – oil-packed works best.

Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This light yet filling meal is perfect for warm summer days.

You can customize your Nicoise salad by swapping ingredients. Try different types of olives or add extras like artichoke hearts. For the best taste, use the freshest ingredients you can find.

8. Smoked Tuna Dip

Smoked tuna dip is a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You can use canned tuna or smoke fresh tuna yourself.

Mix flaked tuna with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream for a creamy base. Add flavor with Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika.

For extra smokiness, try adding a dash of liquid smoke. Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

Serve your smoked tuna dip with crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted bread. It’s perfect for parties or as a quick snack.

9. Pepper-Crusted Seared Tuna Steak

Pepper-crusted seared tuna steak is a quick and tasty dish you can make at home. Start by coating tuna steaks with a mix of black pepper and herbs like basil and thyme.

Heat oil and butter in a pan until hot. Sear the tuna for about 2 minutes per side for a rare center. The outside will be crispy while the inside stays tender.

For extra flavor, try adding whole peppercorns to the pan before cooking. They’ll pop and release their oils, infusing the tuna with more peppery taste.

Serve your seared tuna sliced thinly. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a light but filling meal.

10. Avocado Tuna Boats

Avocado tuna boats offer a tasty, low-carb meal option. To make them, you’ll need ripe avocados and canned tuna.

Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop out some of the flesh to create more space for the filling.

Mix the tuna with mayo, lemon juice, and diced red onion. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon the tuna mixture into the avocado halves. You can top with chopped tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.

These boats are quick to prepare and perfect for lunch or a light dinner. They’re packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied.

11. Tuna Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tuna stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and healthy meal option. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes to soften them slightly.

Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can add chopped celery for extra crunch.

Fill the partially roasted peppers with the tuna mixture. Return them to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until heated through.

These stuffed peppers are low in carbs and high in protein. They make a quick and easy weeknight dinner or lunch option.

12. Teriyaki Tuna Bowl

Teriyaki tuna bowls offer a tasty and easy meal option. Start by marinating tuna steaks in teriyaki sauce for about 45 minutes at room temperature.

Cook the tuna in a skillet with olive oil, adding the marinade for extra flavor. Slice the cooked tuna and arrange it over a bed of rice.

Add fresh veggies like lettuce, radishes, cucumbers, and carrots to your bowl. For extra crunch, include some shredded cabbage.

Drizzle more teriyaki sauce over the top before serving. You can also try this recipe with canned tuna for a quick version.

13. Tuna and White Bean Salad

This quick and easy salad combines canned tuna with white beans for a protein-packed meal. You’ll need tuna, white beans, red onion, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Drain the tuna and place it in a bowl. Add the beans and gently mix. Slice some red onion and soak it in ice water for 15 minutes to reduce its sharpness.

Add the drained onion, chopped parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice to the tuna and beans. Mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For extra flavor, try adding capers or minced garlic. This salad is great on its own or served over salad greens for a light lunch or dinner.

14. Tuna Tacos with Lime Crema

Tuna tacos offer a tasty twist on traditional fish tacos. You’ll love the mix of fresh flavors and textures in this dish.

Start by searing ahi tuna steaks until they’re golden on the outside but still pink in the middle. Slice the tuna thinly against the grain.

Make a quick lime crema by mixing Greek yogurt, lime juice, and zest. This tangy sauce adds a cool, creamy element to the tacos.

Warm some soft corn tortillas and fill them with the sliced tuna. Top with shredded cabbage, diced avocado, and a drizzle of the lime crema.

For extra flavor, add some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. These tuna tacos make a light yet satisfying meal.

15. Tuna and Quinoa Salad

Tuna and quinoa salad is a tasty and healthy meal option. You can make it easily with a few simple ingredients.

Start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. Let it cool completely in the fridge.

In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with canned tuna, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Add some chopped parsley and olives for extra flavor.

For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Pour it over the salad and toss everything well.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

16. Tuna Puttanesca

Tuna puttanesca is a tasty twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. You can make it with canned tuna for a quick and easy meal.

Start by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add anchovy fillets, olives, and capers to build a flavorful base.

Stir in canned tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens. Mix in canned tuna and chopped parsley at the end.

Serve your tuna puttanesca over al dente pasta like linguine or penne. The bold flavors of this dish make it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

17. Tuna Wraps with Veggies

Tuna wraps are a quick and tasty lunch option. You can make them in just 10 minutes. Start by draining canned tuna and mixing it with mayo, mustard, and chopped veggies.

Good veggie choices include celery, green onions, bell peppers, and cucumbers. For extra crunch, try water chestnuts. Spread the tuna mix on a whole wheat tortilla.

Add some fresh lettuce leaves for more nutrients and texture. Roll it up tightly and enjoy your nutritious tuna wrap. You can eat it cold or warm it up slightly for melted cheese.

18. Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta

This quick and easy pasta dish combines tuna, lemon, and garlic for a tasty weeknight meal. Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in canned tuna, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.

Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Add the pasta to the pan with the tuna mixture. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.

Health Benefits of Tuna

Tuna is a nutritious fish that can boost your health in several ways. It provides important nutrients and healthy fats that support your body and brain.

Nutritional Profile

Tuna is packed with protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein. This helps build and repair your muscles and tissues.

Tuna also contains B vitamins. These vitamins are key for energy and brain function. You’ll get good amounts of vitamin B12, niacin, and vitamin B6 from tuna.

This fish is also rich in minerals. It provides selenium, which acts as an antioxidant in your body. You’ll also get potassium and magnesium from tuna.

Tuna is low in calories but high in nutrients. This makes it a great choice if you’re trying to eat healthy or lose weight.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Tuna is full of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are great for your heart and brain. They can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Omega-3s may also help reduce inflammation in your body. This can ease joint pain and stiffness.

These fats are important for brain health too. They may improve memory and lower the risk of cognitive decline as you age.

Eating tuna twice a week can help you get enough omega-3s. This amount fits within the recommended 8-12 ounces of fish per week for most adults.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

Mastering tuna prep and cooking methods will help you create tasty meals. Learn how to pick fresh tuna, keep it safe, and cook it right.

Choosing Fresh Tuna

Look for bright red tuna with a firm texture. Avoid fish with brown spots or a strong smell. Fresh tuna should have clear eyes and red gills.

Ask your fishmonger when the tuna was caught. The fresher, the better. Wild-caught tuna is often higher quality than farmed.

Choose tuna steaks at least 1 inch thick for even cooking. Thinner cuts can dry out fast.

Proper Storage Methods

Keep tuna cold to stay fresh longer. Put it in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the bottom shelf.

Use fresh tuna within 1-2 days of buying. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw frozen tuna in the fridge overnight. Don’t thaw at room temp, as this can lead to bacteria growth.

Popular Cooking Methods

Searing: Heat a pan until very hot. Cook tuna 1-2 minutes per side for a rare center.

Grilling: Brush with oil and grill 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcook or it will dry out.

Baking: Wrap tuna in foil with herbs and lemon. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Raw: For sushi or poke, use sushi-grade tuna. Slice thinly against the grain.

Canned: Drain and mix with mayo for a quick tuna salad. Or add to pasta for an easy meal.

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Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
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