Tuna is incredibly versatile and works in dishes that range from light salads to bold, spicy bowls. This collection includes cold lunches, hearty dinners, and quick snacks, all built around canned, fresh, or seared tuna. With global flavors and a mix of textures, these recipes offer plenty of ways to make tuna exciting. Whether you’re using pantry staples or picking up fresh fish, there’s something here for every appetite.

Light and Healthy Tuna Salad

A stacked tuna salad sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and chickpeas on toasted bread, served with potato chips—one of our favorite easy weeknight recipes for fans of classic tuna dishes.
Light and Healthy Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This classic-style salad uses tuna, celery, and a light dressing with lemon for brightness. It’s crisp, clean, and simple to prep. Serve it over greens or in a sandwich. A quick lunch that never feels heavy.
Get the Recipe: Light and Healthy Tuna Salad

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Three romaine lettuce leaves on a white plate, topped with a mixture of chickpeas, tuna, chopped egg, and green onions—an easy option for tuna recipes. A tomato sits in the background.
Chickpea Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chickpeas add texture and plant-based protein to this mix. The result is satisfying and full of flavor with a tangy dressing. Great on its own or in a wrap. It keeps well for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Tuna, cannellini beans, red onion, and herbs are tossed in olive oil and lemon juice. It’s rustic, flavorful, and filling. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Pairs well with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A quick stovetop meal where tuna is stirred into a tomato-based pasta sauce. The result is savory, warm, and rich with umami. Great for a weeknight dinner. Use fresh herbs to finish.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Spicy Tuna Kimbap Rolls – Quick & Tasty Recipe

Spicy tuna kimbap on a wood cutting board.
Spicy Tuna Kimbap Rolls – Quick & Tasty Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Canned tuna is mixed with gochujang and mayo, then rolled in rice and seaweed. These kimbap rolls are flavorful and easy to assemble. Slice and serve with pickled radish. A fun take on Korean-inspired bites.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Kimbap Rolls – Quick & Tasty Recipe

Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

A bowl of Mediterranean-style salad with orzo, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, red peppers, tuna, and a lemon wedge, garnished with basil.
Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Orzo pasta, olives, tuna, cucumbers, and feta come together in this chilled dish. A lemony dressing brings everything together. Serve cold as a light meal or side. It’s great for warm days.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

Ahi Tuna Kabobs

Ahi Tuna Kabobs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fresh cubes of tuna are marinated, skewered with vegetables, and grilled. They cook quickly and have a smoky, seared flavor. Serve with rice or couscous. Best when the tuna is just barely cooked inside.
Get the Recipe: Ahi Tuna Kabobs

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These rolls use sushi-grade tuna mixed with spicy mayo and rolled with rice and seaweed. A drizzle of soy or sriracha adds more kick. Slice into pieces and serve cold. A popular favorite you can make at home.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

Tuna Tacos

Tuna Tacos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tuna is seasoned and served in warm tortillas with slaw or avocado. Choose fresh seared tuna or a quick mix from canned. Serve with lime wedges. A fast and flavorful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Tacos

Italian Tuna Potato Salad

Italian Tuna Potato Salad. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Potatoes, green beans, olives, and tuna come together in this satisfying, non-mayo salad. Olive oil and herbs finish it off. Serve slightly warm or cold. It’s filling without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna Potato Salad

Keto Tuna Melt

Keto Tuna Melt. Photo credit: The Foodie Affair.

This low carb version skips the bread and bakes tuna and cheese on a veggie base like zucchini or tomato slices. The cheese melts over the tuna for a gooey bite. Quick to prep and very satisfying. Great for light dinners or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Keto Tuna Melt

Avocado Tuna Salad

A bowl of avocado tuna salad with avocado slices and lemon slices.
Avocado Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mashed avocado replaces mayo in this creamy, tangy mix. The texture is smooth and rich. Serve on toast, in lettuce cups, or with crackers. A fresh take on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Avocado Tuna Melt

Avocado tuna melt one blue plate.
Avocado Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Sliced avocado and tuna salad are layered on bread with cheese and grilled until golden. It’s rich, crispy, and full of flavor. Serve warm with a pickle or side salad. Great for lunch or a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Melt

Tuna Sushi Bowl

Tuna Sushi Bowl. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the flavors of sushi in a deconstructed bowl with rice, tuna, cucumber, and spicy mayo. It’s colorful, customizable, and fast to prep. Add nori strips or pickled ginger to finish. A no-roll sushi fix.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Sushi Bowl

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Four Mediterranean Tuna Salad stuffed avocados on a white plate.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Tuna is paired with chopped veggies, olives, and herbs in a bright lemon dressing. It’s crunchy, fresh, and layered in flavor. Serve on greens or in pita bread. It travels well for work lunches or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Low Carb Tuna Casserole

Low Carb Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Low Calorie Eating.

This creamy casserole uses low carb substitutes like cauliflower or zucchini instead of noodles. It’s baked with cheese and tuna for a comforting bite. Serve warm straight from the dish. A hearty option with fewer carbs.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tuna Casserole

Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Rice, spicy tuna, avocado, and crunchy toppings like cucumber or sesame seeds fill this quick bowl. It’s bold, easy to build, and satisfying. Add extra heat with sriracha. A fast option that doesn’t feel rushed.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)

Perfectly air-fried ahi tuna steaks with greens and lemon slices on a plate.
Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These steaks cook in minutes with a crispy outside and tender center. Season simply with soy, sesame, or pepper. Serve with steamed vegetables or salad. A fast way to enjoy fresh tuna without a grill.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A comforting baked dish with pasta, creamy sauce, and tuna. Often topped with breadcrumbs for crunch. It’s a classic weeknight favorite. Add peas or mushrooms for extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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