How to Make Tuna: 10 Easy Recipes for Tuna Sandwiches, Salads, Melts and More

Tuna is a versatile and affordable protein that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes Whether you’re looking to make a classic tuna salad sandwich, take tuna to the next level with hot tuna melts, or incorporate tuna into salads, pastas, and casseroles, there are endless options for creating meals and snacks with this canned fish

In this article, we’ll provide 10 easy tuna recipes to give you ideas for preparing tuna creatively at home. With simple ingredients like mayo, bread, pasta, vegetables, and seasonings, you can make tasty tuna meals for any time of day

Tuna Sandwich Recipes

Tuna sandwiches make for a fast, protein-packed lunch or snack any time. Here are a few tuna sandwich recipes to try:

Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich

The classic tuna salad sandwich is a lunchtime staple for good reason – it’s tasty, easy to make, and full of protein

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp diced onion
• 1 Tbsp diced celery
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 slices bread

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together tuna, mayonnaise, onion, celery, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
2. Spread tuna salad evenly over 2 slices of bread.
3. Top with desired vegetables like lettuce, tomato, pickles etc.
4. Enjoy!

Tuna Melt

For a hot, comforting tuna sandwich, try this tuna melt recipe. Melting cheese over tuna salad is a game-changer!

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp diced onion
• 1 Tbsp diced celery
• 2 slices bread
• 2 slices cheddar cheese
• Butter for spreading

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together tuna, mayonnaise, onion, and celery.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place bread buttered-side down in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Top each slice of bread with half of the tuna mixture and a slice of cheese.
4. Cook until bread is toasted and cheese is fully melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Enjoy this warm, gooey tuna melt!

Tuna and Avocado Sandwich

Cool, creamy avocado pairs deliciously with tuna salad in this fresh sandwich recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 1⁄4 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 slices bread
• Lettuce, tomato, onion etc. for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, gently mix together mashed avocado, tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread tuna mixture over 2 slices of bread.
3. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, or other desired toppings.
4. Enjoy this tasty tuna and avocado sandwich!

Tuna Salad Recipes

Tuna salads make for flavorful, protein-packed side dishes, snacks, or light meals. Here are some easy recipes:

Greek Tuna Salad

This Greek-inspired tuna salad is fresh, flavorful, and Mediterranean-inspired. It’s delicious on its own, over greens, with pita, or on sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz) can tuna, drained
• 1⁄4 cup diced cucumber
• 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1⁄4 cup halved grape tomatoes
• 1⁄4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine tuna, cucumber, feta, tomatoes, and olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over tuna mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Enjoy this Greek tuna salad on its own or served over greens.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna and pasta are a perfect pair in this protein-packed salad recipe. It’s ideal for summertime BBQs and potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini or spiral pasta, cooked
• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1⁄2 cup diced cucumber
• 1⁄4 cup sliced olives
• 1⁄4 cup shredded carrot
• 1⁄4 cup Italian dressing
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tuna, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, carrot, Italian dressing, parsley, salt and pepper.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients in dressing.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Buffalo Tuna Salad

If you like spicy tuna, give this zesty, Buffalo-style tuna salad a try. It’s great served over greens or scooped into lettuce wraps.

Ingredients:

• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
• 3 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1⁄4 cup chopped celery
• 1⁄4 cup diced red onion
• 2 Tbsp hot sauce, or to taste
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, onion, hot sauce, and lime juice until combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper. For more spice, add additional hot sauce as desired.
3. Enjoy this kicky Buffalo tuna salad on its own, over greens, or in lettuce wraps.

Hot Tuna Recipes

Warm up your tuna by using it in hot meal recipes like bakes, melts, and casseroles. Here are a couple delicious ideas:

Tuna Melts

Buttery, toasted tuna melts are guaranteed comfort food. Use larger rolls for hearty sandwich-style melts or English muffins for snack-size portions.

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp diced onion
• 1 Tbsp diced celery
• 2 English muffins, split
• 2 slices cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbsp butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Preheat broiler. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, onion, and celery.
2. Spread cut sides of English muffins with butter. Place on baking sheet.
3. Broil 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. Top each muffin half with tuna mixture and cheese slice.
5. Broil 1-2 more minutes until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Cheesy Tuna and Rice Casserole

With tuna, rice, cheese, and a crispy cracker topping, this baked casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 (10 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 3⁄4 cup uncooked rice
• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained and flaked
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 1⁄2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1⁄2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix soup, milk, rice, tuna, peas, and 1 cup cheese.
2. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining 1⁄2 cup cheese and crushed crackers.
3. Bake 35-40 minutes until bubbling and top is crispy. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

With just a few handy cans of tuna, you can easily whip up quick sandwiches, salads, melts, bakes, and more for healthy and delicious meals. Get creative with herbs, spices, veggies and other mix-ins to make each tuna dish your own.