So you made a big batch of tuna salad and now you’re stuck with leftovers.
Not to worry!
There are plenty of ways to use up tuna salad so it doesn’t go to waste.
Here are 15 ideas to get you started:
1. Serve It on Crackers or Bread as An Easy Appetizer
A super easy and simple way to enjoy leftover tuna salad is to simply serve it on crackers or bread as an easy appetizer.
Simply mix some tuna salad together with some mayonnaise and onion, and you’re good to go!
This can be a great option if you have a lot of tuna salad, as it will easily last in the fridge for a few days.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, try serving this dish over smashed avocado or whole wheat toast – both of which are delicious and nutritious options.
2. Use It as A Filling for Wraps or Sandwiches
Another one of my favorite ways to use tuna salad is to mix it with some chopped veggies and use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
I especially love it mixed with shredded cabbage and carrots, or chopped greens.
It’s also great as a dip for veggies or chips.
Here’s how to make it:
- In a bowl, mix together the tuna salad and your chosen veggies.
- Depending on how thick you want your mixture to be, you may need to add some water or else it will be too thick to spread easily.
- Use as a filling for wraps or sandwiches and enjoy!
3. Use It as A Topping for A Green Salad or A Bed for Roasted Veggies
If you haven’t yet tried tuna salad as a topping for salads or as a bed for roasted veggies, you’re in for a real treat!
The key to making this combination work is to use ingredients that complement each other well.
In terms of tuna salad toppings, green salads are the perfect vehicle for it because they have a lot of health benefits and are very versatile.
By mixing in some herbs and nuts, you can give your tuna salad an extra dimension of flavor that will make it truly special.
For vegetables, try roasting them instead of cooking them in a conventional way.
This allows you to get the most out of their natural flavor and adds some nice texture to your dish.
4. Get Creative and Use It as A Stuffing for Tomatoes, Peppers, or Even Eggs
If there’s one thing we Americans know how to do, it’s put our leftover food to good use!
So why not take advantage of that tuna salad abundance and turn it into a stuffing for some delicious tomatoes, peppers, or even eggs?
One great way to do this is by mixing in some fresh herbs and spices.
Adding rosemary, lavender, or thyme can really jumpstart the taste and make your tuna salad stuffing stand out from the crowd.
Likewise, adding creamy avocado chunks will give your dish a healthy boost.
Another great option is to use the tuna salad as a base for a vegan wrap.
- Start by spreading some creamy avocado on your tortilla, then top it with pieces of roasted red pepper, thinly sliced green onion, and leftover tuna salad.
- Roll it up and enjoy!
5. Freeze It in Individual Portions for A Quick and Easy Lunch Down the Road
Wasting food is never a good idea, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.
If you’ve made too much tuna salad and don’t have any plans for it right now, freezing individual portions is a great way to use it up in the future.
Tuna can be stored in the freezer at -40 degrees Fahrenheit and will stay fresh for up to two months.
Once you’ve portioned out your tuna salad frozen, all you need are some crackers or bread to enjoy as a quick and easy lunch!
6. Give It Some Texture by Adding in Chopped Nuts or Crumbled up Bacon
I’ve always been fan of nuts in my tuna salad, so adding in some chopped up nuts or bacon is definitely something that I would do.
Adding in texture and some additional flavor will really bring this dish to life.
Whether you choose to chop the nuts yourself or buy them pre-chopped, they are sure to add a nice bit of richness and flavor to your tuna salad.
Here’s a list of nuts that I think would work well in tuna salad:
- Cashews
- pecans
- walnuts
- sesame seeds
- hazelnuts
7. Use It as A Dip for Fresh Veggies or Chips
Another super simple way to use leftover tuna salad is as a dip for fresh veggies or chips.
Simply mix it with some sour cream, diced tomatoes, and/or chopped green onions and enjoy!
This is a great option if you are looking for something light and savory to snack on instead of heavy food items.
Here are 11 veggies you can use for this tuna dip:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Beet greens
- Bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
- Broccoli florets
- Celery hearts
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Snap peas
- Spinach
8. Make a Tuna Salad Pita Pocket or Panini for A Fun and Easy Lunch
Have you tried making tuna salad pocket sandwiches or paninis?
These are great ways to use up leftover tuna salad.
Tuna salads make wonderful sandwiches and Paninis because they are filling, tasty and easy to customize.
You can add any favorite toppings, like avocado,lettuce or tomato, for a unique lunch option.
Plus, making your own tuna salad means you know exactly what is in it and there is no need to worry about gluten or grain sensitivities.
Here are some of my favorite toppings (and why):
- Avocados are a great way to add healthy fats and potassium, as well as some flavor. They also make a great sandwich or panini filling.
- Lettuce is another great option for tuna salad sandwiches and paninis. It can be anything you like, from traditional coleslaw to chopped romaine or even stacked high in a wrap with avocado on top.
- Tomato brings added sweetness and tanginess to the mix, while crumbled bacon adds smoky depth and richness.
Whatever you choose as your toppings, don’t forget the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
These are key ingredients in any good tuna salad and help to bind everything together.
Also, they add a nice tangy flavor and creaminess that balance out the protein and saltiness of the tuna.
Finally, make sure to serve on some whole grain bread or Pita chips for an easy and hearty lunch!
9. Spruce It up With Some Fresh Herbs or A Drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar
You could also just simply spice up your tuna salad by adding some fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
This will brighten up the flavor and add some extra zing.
You could also slices some oranges or grapefruits and mix them in for an extra layer of sweetness and citrusy goodness!
Depending on what kind of flavors you’re into, you could also mix in some diced red onion, chopped hard boiled eggs, or roasted nuts for added crunch and flavor.
All of these variations will make your tuna salad unique and special.
Here are 5 herbs that I always add to my tuna salad: dill, parsley, chives, tarragon, and basil.
They’re all great for adding a punch of flavor and are easy to find in most grocery stores.
10. Make Mini Tuna Salad Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls for A Fun Party Appetizer
Everybody loves sliders, especially when they are mini!
So, why not make some tuna salad sliders as an appetizer for your next party?
You could serve them on Hawaiian rolls with a variety of toppings, like shredded cheese or diced tomatoes.
This is a fun and easy way to show off your creative culinary skills and make sure that everyone at the party will be happy!
Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Spread a layer of Hawaiian rolls with some tuna salad on each one and top with your desired toppings.
- Grill for about 4 minutes per side, until the rolls are lightly toasted and the tuna is hot and melted in the middle.
- Serve immediately!
11. Use It to Make Tuna Salad Nachos
I know what you’re thinking. Nachos with tuna salad on top?
I don’t think so!
But trust me, these tuna salad nachos are delicious and amazing.
All you have to do is top tortilla chips with the tuna salad and some shredded cheese, and you’re ready to go.
These will be a huge hit with your family or friends, who will love the combination of flavors and textures.
Here’s how to prepare them:
- Start by mixing together the tuna salad ingredients in a bowl. You’ll want to mix together diced tomatoes, sour cream, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Then add in the tuna fish, making sure that it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Finally, add in any other additional spices that you like (such as garlic powder or onion powder).
- Just before serving, top each tortilla chip with some of the tuna salad mixture.
- Be sure to sprinkle on some shredded cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
12. Give It a Mexican Twist
Mexicans seriously know how to cook with tuna and they make some amazing dishes with it.
This recipe takes advantage of that and blends in some delicious avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime juice to give it a unique and refreshing twist.
You can use this as a light main course or appetizer dish, depending on how hungry you are!
13. Serve It Over Quinoa or Rice for A Complete and Satisfying Meal
Not only are these two recipes healthy, they’re both complete meals that can be enjoyed by anyone.
By mixing tuna salad with quinoa or rice, you’ll have a dish that’s filling and satisfying.
Quinoa is a great source of protein and is also gluten-free, making it ideal for those on a diet.
Plus, the addition of chopped veggies will give your meal some extra flavor and crunch.
Here are 7 veggies that I think go well with this dish:
- Celery: Celery is a milder-tasting vegetable, making it a great choice for those who don’t like strong flavors in their food.
- Carrots: Carrots are another common veggie used in tuna salad. They’re sweet and tender, which makes them perfect for this type of dish.
- Green beans: Green beans are slightly bitter and have a slight crunch to them. They’re also low in calories and volume, so they make an ideal addition to any meal.
- Corn: Corn is a common filler in many dishes, and it works extremely well in tuna salad. It’s a little on the sweet side, so it pairs well with tart flavors like lemon juice or vinegar.
- Cucumber: A cucumber can be added to any dish for extra moisture and flavor. They’re also low calorie and low in fat, making them an ideal addition to any meal plan.
- Tomato: Tomatoes are slightly acidic, which gives the tuna salad a slight bite. They can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, making them an ideal choice for this recipe.
- Garlic: Garlic is stronger than other vegetables, but it also has a strong flavor that goes great in savory dishes.
14. Mix It with Some Mayo and Use It as A Spread for Burgers or Sandwiches
Mayo can make any dish more enjoyable, so why not use it to add flavor to tuna salad?
By mixing the two ingredients together, you can create a delicious and versatile spread that is perfect for burgers or sandwiches.
You could even experiment with different flavors, such as garlic mayo or bbq sauce mayo for a unique twist on an old favorite.
Here’s how I usually make my tuna salad:
- I mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 3-4 tablespoons of diced onion.
- Then, I add in some chopped celery and a couple tablespoons of salt and pepper.
- Finally, I toss in a can (or two) of drained tuna flakes and mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
That’s it!
Tuna salad is such an affordable and plentiful dish that there’s no reason not to experiment with different variations.
Give this easy recipe a try the next time you have leftover tuna salad and see what you come up with!
15. Top a Baked Potato or Sweet Potato with Tuna Salad for An Easy Lunch or Side Dish
Potatoes have been a favorite food for centuries, and tuna salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Tuna salad is simple to prepare and can easily be adapted to fit any palate.
For example, you could top a baked potato with tuna salad or make it as a side dish by serving it with sweet potatoes.
The possibilities are endless!
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Ingredients
- Serve It on Crackers or Bread as An Easy Appetizer
- Use It as A Filling for Wraps or Sandwiches
- Use It as A Topping for A Green Salad or A Bed for Roasted Veggies
- Get Creative and Use It as A Stuffing for Tomatoes, Peppers, or Even Eggs
- Freeze It in Individual Portions for A Quick and Easy Lunch Down the Road
- Give It Some Texture by Adding in Chopped Nuts or Crumbled up Bacon
- Use It as A Dip for Fresh Veggies or Chips
- Make a Tuna Salad Pita Pocket or Panini for A Fun and Easy Lunch
- Spruce It up With Some Fresh Herbs or A Drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar
- Make Mini Tuna Salad Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls for A Fun Party Appetizer
- Use It to Make Tuna Salad Nachos
- Give It a Mexican Twist
- Serve It Over Quinoa or Rice for A Complete and Satisfying Meal
- Mix It with Some Mayo and Use It as A Spread for Burgers or Sandwiches
- Top a Baked Potato or Sweet Potato with Tuna Salad for An Easy Lunch or Side Dish
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe from this list to use up your leftovers.
- Prepare the rest of your delicious meal.
- Enjoy in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.