11 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Anything But Boring Think beyond traditional tuna melts or casseroles. Close Credit: Armando Rafael It's time to take canned tuna seriously and use this pantry-friendly protein for more than tuna melt sandwiches. We always keep a few cans on hand so we can make our favorite canned tuna recipes—which include everything from quick weeknight pasta to tasty, hearty salads as well as twists on comfort food classics and new, innovative dishes. Whatever you go for, what's the biggest takeaway here? Canned tuna is a versatile, healthy ingredient you should keep in your kitchen—and use it to make all of these recipes, of course. Our Ultimate Guide to Canned Tuna, a Pantry Essential You Shouldn't Overlook 01 of 11 White Bean and Tuna Salad Here's a quick and easy salad for dinner. It's also a low-cook option; you only need to turn on the stove for the beans and simply mix it with tuna and spinach before serving. View Recipe 02 of 11 No-Cook Tomato-Tuna Sauce With Spaghetti Credit: Con Poulos This is the easiest, most delicious pasta recipe. We think it rivals our famed One-Pan Pasta for flavor and ease—and it beats it on protein thanks to the canned tuna (which also gives the sauce a salty flavor). View Recipe 03 of 11 No-Mayo Mediterranean Tuna Salad Credit: Johnny Miller Mix it up—your tuna salad, that is. This mayo-free version features a punchy lemon-caper vinaigrette. We serve it with a crisp green salad and crackers. View Recipe 04 of 11 Tuna Cakes With Arugula-Tomato Salad Credit: Chris Simpson We turn to these tuna cakes when we want to switch things up. Tuna is amped up with Dijonnaise, lemon juice, and diced pickles. The grated carrot adds moisture and nutrition—and the patties are coated in panko before they're pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside (but remain soft within). View Recipe 05 of 11 Spaghetti With Tuna and Caper Sauce Credit: Alpha Smoot This fast pantry dinner partners canned tuna with garlic, capers, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Dinner is on the table in 30 minutes. View Recipe 06 of 11 Emeril's Kicked-Up Tuna Melts This diner classic makes a quick, comforting meal, and the broil will practically do the job for you. Before browning them in the oven, top the tuna with tomato slices and any mild melting cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack. View Recipe 07 of 11 Pasta With Peperonata Tuna and Olives Credit: Lennart Weibull An unexpected combination of flavors delights in this bright, easy pasta. Bell peppers are cooked until tender and jammy to create a sauce. Canned tuna adds protein and golden raisins, Kalamata olives, and Parmesan cheese bring sweetness and salty contrasts. View Recipe 08 of 11 Tuna Noodle Casserole With Cauliflower Credit: Linda Pugliese Here's a modern update on a family favorite that we think you'll really like. When making our new take on the tuna casserole, swap in long swirls of pappardelle to replace the usual short egg noodles. We also think you'll love how cauliflower, a decidedly unexpected addition, pairs with the creamy sauce. View Recipe 09 of 11 Salad Niçoise Credit: Bryan Gardner Forego the bread and go for this classic French salad, the proper way. The Niçoise combines imported canned tuna, hard-boiled egg, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives, and an easy, tangy vinaigrette to bring it all together. View Recipe 10 of 11 Chickpea and Tuna Dip Credit: Con Poulos This might just be hummus 2.0. Combining tuna with chickpeas makes a chunky dip that's just right for all your favorite crudités or crunchy chips. View Recipe 11 of 11 One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta Credit: Armando Rafael Our one-pan tuna pasta recipe is quick and satisfying. Cooking the pasta with the rest of the dish creates a creamy sauce. Fresh asparagus and arugula are added just before serving to make a balanced meal. View Recipe Explore more: Recipes Ingredients Seafood Recipes Tuna Recipes