Ever wondered how to take that can of tuna lurking in your pantry and whip up something awesome? You're in luck because I've got five killer recipes that'll make you the star of dinner time. From a tasty Tuna Salad with Avocado and Chickpeas to a cozy Creamy Tuna Casserole, there's something for everyone. So, if you're ready to impress your taste buds and maybe even your family, let's jump in and investigate these delicious options!
Tuna Salad With Avocado and Chickpeas
Tuna Salad with Avocado and Chickpeas is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the rich, creamy texture of avocado with the heartiness of chickpeas and the savory flavor of tuna. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner and is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, rinsed and drained)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup bell pepper (diced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cumin or paprika for seasoning
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced avocado, chickpeas, red onion, bell pepper, and chopped herbs.
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and gently stir everything together until well combined, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste. Serve immediately on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with whole grain crackers.
Extra Tips:
For added creaminess, you can mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
If you're looking to improve the flavor, consider adding diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and freshness.
This salad can also be made ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nevertheless, it's best enjoyed fresh to keep the avocado from browning too quickly.
Spicy Tuna Pasta Bake
Spicy Tuna Pasta Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of tuna with the comforting texture of pasta, all baked to perfection.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, and it's also a great way to use pantry staples. With a kick of spice, it enhances a classic pasta bake into something exciting and satisfying.
Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tuna, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some chopped spinach or mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables.
If you like a crunch, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes or even adding some chopped jalapeños.
This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen, making it a great option for meal prep. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before baking!
Mediterranean Tuna Quinoa Bowl
The Mediterranean Tuna Quinoa Bowl is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together the flavors of the Mediterranean with the heartiness of quinoa and the protein-packed goodness of tuna. This bowl is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, as it isn't only easy to prepare but also customizable based on your preferences.
Fresh vegetables, olives, and a zesty dressing make this meal invigorating and satisfying, ensuring you get a healthy dose of nutrients in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 can of tuna (in olive oil or water), drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
In a medium pot, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pour it over the quinoa mixture and toss well to combine.
Serve the bowl warm or chilled, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor and nutrition, you can include other Mediterranean ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or chickpeas.
If you prefer a more filling meal, consider adding avocado or a boiled egg on top.
This dish can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Remember to adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand.
Tuna-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Tuna-Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the rich flavors of tuna with the sweetness of bell peppers. This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also makes for a colorful and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
Packed with protein and fiber, these stuffed peppers are a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet while still satisfying your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Begin by cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds and membranes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cooked quinoa or rice, diced onion, diced celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Stuff each bell pepper with the tuna mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped olives, capers, or diced tomatoes into the stuffing mixture.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs like dill or basil for an extra burst of freshness.
These stuffed peppers can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Enjoy your Tuna-Stuffed Bell Peppers with a side salad for a well-rounded meal!
Creamy Tuna Casserole
Creamy tuna casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta, creamy sauce, and flavorful tuna for a meal that's both delicious and easy to prepare.
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal, this casserole can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. It's a classic recipe that the whole family will love, and it's a great way to use pantry staples.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 can (12 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas and carrots, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the cooked noodles until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
If desired, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize your creamy tuna casserole by adding in other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
For an extra cheesy delight, consider adding more cheese on top before baking.
This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make creamy tuna casserole!