Save money and time with canned tuna
Canned tuna isn't just a pantry staple—it's a budget hero! Packed with protein and omega-3s, it can transform any meal into a tasty feast. Whether you're whipping up a quick lunch or planning a family dinner, these fuss-free recipes showcase how versatile and valuable canned tuna can be. Discover these easy, wallet-friendly dishes that make your weekly meal planning a breeze.
“It's recommended that we eat fish a couple of times a week to reap the nutrition benefits, but the price of fresh seafood can be a bit daunting. That’s another reason I loved canned fish, it’s budget-friendly, no-waste, and the perfect instant star, whether used to turn a simple salad, pizza, pasta or traybake into something special, or as an affordable, healthier hero in patties, dips and lunchbox sandwiches.”
– Nikki P
01
Healthier tuna sushi bowl
A few fresh ingredients and pantry staples combined with a simple dressing make this the perfect lunch-on-the-go or easy midweek dinner for one. If you’re making this for more than one, just multiply the quantities! I keep wasabi peas to one side if there are any little eaters joining in, as they might find them too spicy. The Asian-style flavours really lift a simple can of tuna, which I often swap for canned salmon or mackerel. Serve this for dinner immediately, or cool the rice completely in the fridge before layering the ingredients in an airtight container for a delicious workday lunch.
For a variation, try this healthier salmon rice bowl with canned salmon or mackerel for a delightful twist.
02
Speedy tuna macaroni & cheese bake
This hearty recipe is ideal for a midweek dinner because I can have it on the table in 30 minutes. It’s also a fantastic one-dish meal, which means it’s quick to make and quick to clean up, too. Sometimes, to change things up, I’ll substitute the tuna for chopped ham or leftover cooked chicken. Don’t have canned corn kernels? Frozen corn kernels work just as well, or even canned or frozen peas. To thaw frozen corn or peas, just pop them into a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water, set aside for a couple of minutes, then drain well.
03
Tuna primavera
This fresh, zingy pasta dish is a mainstay at my place – and it’s one I can change up with different veggies, such as green beans, broccolini or even frozen peas. It also works beautifully with canned salmon, and I sometimes swap out the fettuccine for spaghetti or short pasta, such as penne – whatever’s in my pantry. I always give lemons a quick rinse under cold water and dry with a clean tea towel before zesting. Too easy!
04
Tunavocado sandwich
I’ll often make a batch of this delicious tuna mixture and store it in the fridge so I can use it as a filling or salad topper over the week – it stores well in an airtight container. Feel free to choose whatever bread you like for this tuna sandwich recipe; it’s great in wraps and rolls as well. I also make it with canned salmon for a salmon and avocado sandwich! Whichever canned fish you choose, drain it well to avoid the filling (and bread) from going soggy. Don’t worry if you don’t have kewpie mayo because regular mayo will taste just as good.
05
Tuna sushi bake
Transform your sushi night with this viral baked tuna sushi. It combines the fun of sushi at home with the comfort of a warm bake and all the flavours you’d expect: sushi rice, panko breadcrumbs, creamy mayo, and a touch of spicy sriracha. Top with seaweed and sesame seeds for that authentic sushi flavour. Perfect for sharing with the family or as a standout dish at your next gathering.
06
Healthier tuna mornay
Here’s another all-time family favourite that I’ll often cook for a warming weekend dinner over winter. It’s also very forgiving, as you can adapt it to whatever veggies you have on hand or whatever’s in season and on special at the supermarket – pumpkin instead of the sweet potato, and broccoli florets, green beans, or chopped capsicum for zucchini. Penne is another alternative – in fact, any short pasta is fine to use in this recipe, and salmon works well instead of the tuna, too. Mix it up and see what you can create!
07
Speedy tuna pasta salad
If you have any leftovers, this recipe makes a yummy packed lunch for the next day. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to play around with, depending on what you’ve got in the fridge and pantry. You could substitute spiral pasta with farfalle (bowties), penne or any other short pasta; change up the tuna for canned salmon; and substitute yellow capsicum for red or green. I’ve even used fresh basil instead of the dill. Best of all, it takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, so it’s a midweek dinner hero in my books.
08
Healthier tuna and pea patties
My family loves a patty and these are among our favourites. These little beauties can be transformed easily into salmon and pea patties, and I’ve also been known to substitute the peas with chopped frozen beans or frozen sweetcorn if I’ve run out of peas. These also make a great snack or starter with just the ranch dressing for dipping, but the rice salad rounds it out beautifully as a simple yet satisfying midweek meal or weekend lunch.
09
Tuna melt toasties
Tuna melt toasties are the ultimate comfort food. Simply mix canned tuna with sweetcorn, top with shredded cheddar, and grill it between your favourite bread. The result? A warm, melty treat that's both satisfying and economical, perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner after a busy day at the office.
10
Sushi sandwiches
Revamp your lunch routine with these fun sushi sandwiches. Using canned tuna mixed with a hint of wasabi and wrapped in nori, they’re a clever twist on traditional sushi. Ready in just three steps, they're quick to assemble, making them ideal for a kid’s packed lunch or a healthy snack. Make them up to a day ahead and store in a reusable container in the fridge.
11
Tuna tostadas
Move over Taco Tuesday - once the kids try these tasty little Mexican-inspired morsels, they’ll be calling for Tostada Tuesday! Simply top crunchy corn tortillas with a flavoursome tuna mix, beans, and a squeeze of lime. This dish is a festive and cost-effective way to enjoy a taste of Mexico any night of the week.
12
Air-fryer tuna and potato fritters with mayo
Win the weeknight with this simple, tasty tuna and potato fritter recipe made in an air fryer. Combine flaked tuna with mashed potatoes, shape into patties, and cook in the air fryer for a quick, light and easy lunch or dinner. Serve with a dollop of tangy mayo for the perfect finish.
13
Flatbread pizza
Put a twist on family pizza night with this easy flatbread recipe. Lebanese bread makes the perfect crunchy pizza base in this budget-friendly recipe. Top it all off with artichoke, capsicum, tuna and olives. Simply drizzle with olive oil and bake until golden — hey presto! You’ve got an easy lunch or dinner on the table in 15 minutes flat.
14
Easy tuna and veg rice bowl
This hearty rice bowl uses pantry staples to create a filling dinner that’s bursting with flavour. Mix canned tuna with assorted veggies and serve over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s an easy weeknight solution to feed a hungry family in under ten minutes.