
Canned Tuna Lunch Ideas: Easy, Healthy, and Budget-Friendly Recipes
Canned tuna is a pantry staple that’s affordable, versatile, and packed with protein. These recipes are quick to prepare and perfect for work or school lunches.
8 Tasty Canned Tuna Lunch Ideas
- Tuna and sweetcorn wraps
- Tuna pasta salad
- Tuna avocado boats
- Tuna melt sandwich
- Tuna and bean salad
- Tuna-stuffed bell peppers
- Tuna rice bowls
- Spicy tuna sushi rolls
Recipe 1: Tuna and Sweetcorn Wraps

Ingredients:
- 2 large whole-grain wraps
- 1 tin of tuna (drained)
- 1/2 cup sweetcorn (canned or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix the tuna, sweetcorn, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the wraps.
- Add shredded lettuce, roll tightly, and slice in half. Serve or pack for later.
Recipe 2: Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne)
- 1 tin of tuna (drained)
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the cooked pasta, tuna, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Mix well and serve chilled or pack into a container for lunch.
Recipe 3: Tuna Avocado Boats

Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados (halved and pitted)
- 1 tin of tuna (drained)
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix the tuna, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves.
- Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing lunch.
Recipe 4: Tuna Melt Sandwich

Ingredients:
- 2 slices of whole-grain bread
- 1 tin of tuna (drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Mix the tuna and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture onto one slice of bread, then top with cheddar cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top and butter the outside of both slices.
- Heat a pan and cook the sandwich on each side until golden and the cheese has melted.
- Serve warm or wrap in foil for later.
Recipe 5: Tuna and Bean Salad

Ingredients:
- 1 tin of tuna (drained)
- 1 cup canned cannellini or kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine tuna, beans, and red onion in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
- Mix well and serve or pack into a container for lunch.
Recipe 6: Tuna-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:
- 2 large bell peppers (halved and seeded)
- 1 tin of tuna (drained)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix the tuna, celery, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into the halved bell peppers.
- Serve immediately or chill before eating.
Recipe 7: Tuna Rice Bowls

Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tin of tuna (drained)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Layer rice, tuna, and shredded carrots in a bowl.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Top with sesame seeds and serve.
Recipe 8: Spicy Tuna Sushi Rolls

Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice
- 1 tin of tuna (drained)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
- 2 nori sheets
Instructions:
- Mix tuna and sriracha in a bowl.
- Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo mat and spread sushi rice evenly over it.
- Add the tuna mixture and avocado slices as a filling.
- Roll tightly and slice into pieces. Serve with soy sauce if desired.
Tips for Using Canned Tuna
- Choose Tuna Wisely: Opt for tuna in water for a lighter option or oil for a richer flavour.
- Pair It Well: Combine tuna with fresh vegetables, grains, or bread for a balanced meal.
- Always Keep It Stocked: Canned tuna is perfect for quick, high-protein meals on busy days.
You can purchase Deer & Oak kitchenware though our website at deerandoak.co.uk or through Amazon UK at amazon.co.uk