7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Canned Tuna

Ellie Krieger's Tuna Casserole as seen on Food Network

Ellie Krieger's Tuna Casserole as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Those cans of tuna on the grocery store shelves — the ones that cost about $2 each? Don’t ignore them. You might want to because you don’t feel like another boring tuna salad sandwich, but don’t do it. Don’t ignore the cans. Think of them as inexpensive tins of protein, meal starters you can turn into dozens of inventive meals, shelf-stable little wonders you can stock up on and use later.

Here’s why you should fill your cart with canned tuna. OK, maybe not fill it, but stock up when it’s on sale and make tuna a permanent line item on your grocery list.

Mom made it because it was inexpensive, easy and comforting. Shouldn’t you do the same? Mom might have used canned soup to thicken hers, but this version is made with a from-scratch creamy sauce, making it lighter and more delicious than the one you remember, but just as nostalgic and comforting. It’s also made with whole-wheat fettuccine and two (!) vegetables, broccoli and peas, so you can really feel good about it.

With pancakes coming in at a close second and grilled cheese with fries just below that, a tuna melt is the best thing to order at a diner. It’s perfectly crispy, just greasy enough, and filled with melty cheese and not-too-mayonnaise-y tuna salad. Making your own at home is ridiculously easy, and you can make it as you like it -- on an English muffin with cheddar, or on rye with American.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Even if you’ve got nothing in the house, even if your cupboards are Mother Hubbard-style bare, you probably have the fixings for these flatbreads. They’re covered with a spread of white beans and sun-dried tomatoes and topped with tuna and olives — a combination of ingredients that’ll last (nearly) forever in your pantry and will taste amazing on a pita.


food stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop stylist: Marina Malchin

Pork Tenderloin Tonnato_7.tif

food stylist: Jamie KimmProp stylist: Marina Malchin,food stylist: Jamie KimmProp stylist: Marina Malchin

“Tonnato” is a traditional Italian sauce that’s made with tuna, egg yolks and lemon, pureed to a mayonnaise-like consistency and served over veal. The rich, creamy sauce also pairs well with poultry, fish (like swordfish) or pork, as in this Pork Tonnato recipe from Food Network Magazine.

Tyler Florence's Tuna Everything Bagel As Seen On Food Network's Tyler's Ultimate

Tyler Florence's Tuna Everything Bagel As Seen On Food Network's Tyler's Ultimate

Photo by: Tara Donne ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Tara Donne, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

The Tuna Everything Bagel is what an over-the-top sandwich should be: a toasted everything bagel topped with tuna salad and cream cheese, plus lettuce, tomato and onion, of course.

Pasta and a Spicy Melange in a White Dish

Linguine Puttanesca

Pasta and a Spicy Melange in a White Dish

©Food: Jaime Kimm Prop: Marina Malchin

Food: Jaime Kimm Prop: Marina Malchin

You’re starving. And maybe a little impatient. Make a quick puttanesca sauce using canned tuna, canned tomatoes, capers and Kalamata olives, boil some linguine and there you go — dinner in less than 30 minutes.

Food Network Kitchen's Cucumber Tuna Salad Sandwich For Bunless/Breadless Sandwiches As seen on Food Network

Food Network Kitchen's Cucumber Tuna Salad Sandwich For Bunless/Breadless Sandwiches As seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It looks like a sub. And you hold it like a sub. But it’s way less carb-y than a sub. When you want tuna salad but mean to keep it light, pile it on a cucumber boat instead of a roll.

Next Up

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be Pressing Your Tofu

Next time, save yourself 20 minutes. An expert in Chinese cuisine explains why.

Why You Shouldn’t Take Berberine Supplements for Weight Loss

An expert explains why you should think twice before taking what is being called "nature’s Ozempic" on social media.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Alcohol and Supplements to Fall Asleep

How to actually wind down at night without wine or melatonin.

No, You Shouldn’t Be Eating Your Weight in Grams of Protein

Despite what social media may say, it’s actually far more than the recommended amount.

Sorry, But You Shouldn’t Be Using Your Immersion Blender as a Spice Grinder

We asked Food Network test kitchen recipe developers about the viral TikTok trend. All of them agreed it’s more trouble, and risk, than it’s worth.

10 Reasons Cabbage Is Your Best Friend

It's versatile, affordable, delicious — should we go on? Yes we should.

Topo Chico Launches Line of Canned Cocktails

The collection includes drinks inspired by ranch water, palomas and chiltons.