21 canned tuna and salmon recipes that deserve a second look

If canned fish makes you think of rushed lunches, these recipes might surprise you. With a few easy techniques, tuna and salmon step into proper meal territory. Perfect for nights when the fridge is empty.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

This chickpea tuna salad is easy to throw together and features a little kick of spice. It’s fresh, filling, and works great for lunch or meal prep. Get the recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Tuna and Rice Salad

A bowl of rice salad with tuna with a fork in it. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This tuna and rice salad is your go-to for a light but satisfying meal. Packed with flavorful tuna, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies, it’s a quick and easy dish that works for lunch, dinner, or whenever hunger strikes. Get the recipe: Rice Salad with Tuna

Tuna Noodle Casserole

A spoon serving healthy tuna casserole from a baking dish. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This tuna noodle casserole is the ultimate cozy vibes in one dish. Think tender pasta, veggies, and a creamy homemade sauce, all coming together for an easy, stress-free meal. Get the recipe: Healthy Tuna Casserole Recipe

Tuna Melt Wrap

This tuna melt wrap combines creamy tuna salad and melted shredded cheese for a seriously tasty bite. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, the buttery, savory spread on the toasted tortilla will have you licking your fingers. Get the recipe: Tuna Melt Wrap

Korean BBQ Salmon Stir-Fry

Need a fast, tasty meal for one? This Korean BBQ salmon stir-fry is ready in under 10 minutes and is a healthy, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly option. Perfect budget-friendly meal. Get the recipe: Korean BBQ Salmon Stir-Fry

High-Protein Tuna Melt Egg Bites

These high-protein tuna melt egg bites are super easy to make and a great option for meal prep. You will have no problem hitting your daily protein goals with this simple low-carb and keto recipe. Get the recipe: High-Protein Tuna Melt Egg Bites

Italian Tuna Potato Salad

A bowl of italian tuna salad. — Image Credit: xoxoBella

This potato tuna salad is packed with Mediterranean flavours, featuring chunky potatoes, tuna, olives, capers, and onion with a bold mix of spices. Instead of mayo, a bright extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette brings it all together for a fresh, flavorful twist on tuna Niçoise. Get the recipe: Italian Tuna Potato Salad

Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad

Salmon and asparagus are essentially made for each other, so combining them into a pasta salad is a natural fit. This salad is packed with salmon, asparagus, pasta, and a creamy lemon-dill dressing. Get the recipe: Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad

Tuna Cakes

Tuna cakes are an easy way to level up that can in your pantry. Crispy on the outside and super tasty inside, they totally deliver. Get the recipe: Tuna Cakes

Classic Salmon Loaf With Dijon Dill Sauce

Looking for an easy, budget-friendly dinner idea? This classic salmon loaf made with canned salmon comes together in minutes and is delicious topped with creamy dill sauce. Get the recipe: Classic Salmon Loaf With Dijon Dill Sauce

Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl

Cold, crunchy cucumbers meet juicy cherry tomatoes, tuna, quinoa, and crispy bacon in this loaded bowl. It’s a no-stress meal that hits all the right notes. Get the recipe: Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl

Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe

A plate of air fryer tuna melts. — Image Credit: Basics With Bails

Need a quick dinner, a filling lunch, or a snack that hits the spot? This air fryer tuna melt has you covered, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe

Canned Salmon Tacos

Canned salmon tacos are surprisingly tasty, super easy to put together, and made with pantry staples. On those nights when dinner is a mystery, these tacos are a quick and satisfying go-to that never disappoints. Get the recipe: Canned Salmon Tacos

Canned Salmon Salad

This quick and easy salmon salad recipe is made with canned salmon in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Similar to tuna salad, it’s perfect with crackers or in sandwiches for an easy lunch. Get the recipe: Canned Salmon Salad

Creamy Tuna Avocado Salad

An avocado tuna salad on a plate. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This tuna avocado salad is creamy, refreshing, and seriously delicious. With rich avocado and savoury tuna teaming up, it’s a healthy, feel-good meal you can whip up in no time. Get the recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Easy Tuna Fried Rice

A skillet of tuna fried rice. — Image Credit: Bless This Meal

Tuna fried rice is a savory and satisfying dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with tuna, vegetables, and a flavorful combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices. Get the recipe: Easy Tuna Fried Rice

Homemade Tuna Helper

This creamy tuna pasta comes together fast with simple pantry staples and makes a great midweek dinner. If you’ve tried boxed tuna helper before, homemade is way better and just as easy. Get the recipe: Homemade Tuna Helper

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Craving some classic comfort food? These old-fashioned salmon patties are crispy, light, and perfect for a quick, budget weeknight dinner that’s been loved for generations. Get the recipe: Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Salmon Burgers with Avocado Sauce

These salmon burgers come together with canned salmon, yogurt, breadcrumbs, and a few simple seasonings. They’re super easy to make and even better with a quick avocado sauce on the side. Get the recipe: Salmon Burgers with Avocado Sauce

Tuna Pasta With Pesto

This quick and easy tuna pasta with pesto recipe is so simple yet absolutely delicious! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights – a one pot meal that is ready in 20 minutes. Get the recipe: Tuna Pasta With Pesto

Easy Canned Tuna Lemon Pasta

This canned tuna lemon pasta is quick, comforting, and made with pantry staples you probably already have. It’s the kind of easy meal that comes together when the fridge is looking a little bare. Get the recipe: Easy Canned Tuna Lemon Pasta