It’s o-fish-ally Shark Week, which is why we chose tuna salad as July’s recipe of the month!

Every July, Move For Hunger’s network participates in themed Shark Week Food Drives, which coincide with the actual shark week! These food drives encourage people to donate canned tuna, which are valuable to food banks because it’s a versatile food item and is typically good for up to 3 years!

The below recipes don’t have to be created with tuna - choose from other tinned fishes, like smoked trout, sardines, salmon, and mackerel. Or, if you want to dress up your dish, opt for crab or poached shrimp!

Not into seafood? That’s okay! Some vegan protein alternatives include Hearts of Palm and chickpeas (chop until you get the consistency of canned tuna- flakey).

The great thing about these recipes are the versatility they offer based on your preferences! Serve your tuna salad on sliced bread, rolls, wraps (veggie/ GF), lettuce cups, or over a bed of greens or rice/grains.

Our in-house chef, Ruth Solomon, developed 6 deliciously different ways to eat canned tuna, so let’s get started!

Note: Measure fillings/additions with your heart! The more fillings inside the salad, the more “dressing” it will need.

Important Note about Food Safety: 
You shouldn’t use veggies that have mold on them or smell foul or bitter. They’ve likely gone bad, and should be added to your compost! For your greens, they’ve gone bad if they’ve turned a yellowish color and/or appear slimy.

Option 1: The Classic

  • Mayo
  • Mustard
  • Celery
  • Tuna
  • Onion
  • Capers

Recommendation: add tuna salad filling to a grilled cheese for a fun sandwich twist!

Option 2: Mediterranean

  • Olive Oil
  • Lemon
  • Garlic (roasted/fresh)
  • Tuna
  • Capers, olives, chickpeas
  • Cucumbers (for immediate eating- don't let sit for more than 12 hours)
  • Parsley

Recommendation: serve over a bed of quinoa or mixed into quinoa 

Option 3: Cajun

  • Hard boiled eggs (optional)
  • Red pepper
  • Green pepper
  • Celery
  • Tuna
  • Onion
  • Mustard
  • Cilantro
  • Green Onions

Recommendation: serve over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing

Option 4: Curry

  • Yogurt/mayo
  • Tuna
  • Curry (turmeric, cumin, chili powder)
  • Sliced almonds/cashews 
  • Celery
  • Red onion
  • Raisins/ Sliced Grapes (optional)

Recommendation: serve in a flavored sandwich wrap

Option 5: Edamame Miso

  • Edamame
  • Dried Seaweed/ Furikake
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • White Miso paste
  • Tuna

Recommendation: serve over rice with a sliced avocado

Option 6: Tuscan Sandwich

  • Capers 
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Mozzarella
  • Basil
  • Tuna

Recommendation: serve on ciabatta bread 

Donating versatile foods that remain good for a long period of time are the perfect types of donations for food banks and pantries, like tuna! It’s also a great way to reduce food waste, especially considering around 35% of food produced in America goes unsold or uneaten - and 43% of that waste comes from households.

Want to learn more about food waste, composting, and recycling? Check out our blogs on composting and reducing food waste at home!

Want to find out more ways to reduce food waste and fight hunger? Check out our Take Action page!