10 High-Protein Gluten-Free Tuna Recipes

Tuna is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, and its versatility makes it a staple in many healthy diets. For those following a gluten-free lifestyle, finding delicious and satisfying recipes can sometimes be a challenge. This article provides ten diverse and flavorful high-protein, gluten-free tuna recipes that are perfect for any meal, from a quick lunch to a hearty dinner. These recipes are easy to prepare and are sure to become new favorites.

1. Mediterranean Tuna Salad (Mayo-Free)

This refreshing and light tuna salad is packed with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s a perfect mayo-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste or protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 (5-ounce) cans solid white albacore tuna in water, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 small shallot, peeled and minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 minced clove of roasted garlic or 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently break the drained tuna into bite-sized pieces with a fork.
2. Add the artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, celery, and shallots, and toss to combine.
3. Add the basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, garlic, salt, and pepper, and toss to thoroughly combine.
4. Finally, add the olive oil and stir to evenly distribute.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference and serve immediately.

Source: A Clean Bake [1]

2. High-Protein Canned Tuna Bowl

This protein-packed tuna bowl is a complete meal in itself, offering a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 5 ounces sustainable canned tuna
• 1/2 avocado, sliced or diced
• 1 cup roughly chopped cucumber
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 scallion, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Drizzle of Sriracha or sambal oelek (hot chili sauce)

Instructions:

1. Drain the canned tuna and transfer it to your serving bowl.
2. Add the chopped cucumbers, diced avocado, shredded red cabbage, and sliced scallions.
3. In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil, then drizzle the dressing over the tuna and vegetables.
4. Garnish your bowl with sesame seeds and, if you want a nice punch, top with sriracha or sambal oelek.

Source: Killing Thyme [2]

3. Easy Tuna Patties (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

These crispy and flavorful tuna patties are a fantastic way to enjoy tuna. They are quick to make and are compliant with several dietary plans, including Paleo, Whole30, and Keto.

Ingredients:

• 2 (5-ounce) cans wild tuna, drained
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil, for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except coconut oil. Use your hands or a spoon to combine and mix evenly.
2. Shape the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1 inch thick.
3. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently lay the patties into the pan, and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

Source: What Great Grandma Ate [3]

4. Tuna Stuffed Avocados

This recipe combines two nutritional powerhouses: tuna and avocado. The creamy avocado serves as a perfect vessel for a delicious and savory tuna salad, creating a simple yet elegant meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 avocados
• 2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley, chives, and/or other herbs
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, herbs, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. Stir together until well combined.
2. Slice the avocados in half and remove the seed. Dollop a few spoonfuls of tuna salad onto each avocado half.

Source: Downshiftology [4]

5. Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole

A comforting classic made gluten-free. This tuna casserole is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces gluten-free fusilli or rotini pasta
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 (6-ounce) cans of flaked tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta to al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large frying pan, sauté onion, mushrooms, olive oil, and minced garlic over medium heat until the onions start to look translucent and the mushrooms have just started to shrink in size.
3. Add the gluten-free flour to the frying pan and lightly toss to coat all the vegetables.
4. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the frying pan and whisk well to combine. Turn the heat down to low-medium and bring to a light simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Remove the frying pan from the heat, then stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is completely melted.
6. Stir the drained tuna and frozen peas into the mixture until well mixed.
7. Place the al dente cooked pasta into a 9” x 13” baking dish.
8. Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta in the baking dish and stir well until all of the pasta is coated with the sauce.
9. In a medium bowl, stir together the gluten-free breadcrumbs, remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, and Italian seasoning together until mixed well.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
11. Bake the tuna casserole in the oven for 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs start to look golden brown.

Source: Mama Knows Gluten Free [5]

6. California Tuna Melts (Gluten-Free)

This open-faced tuna melt is a California-inspired twist on the classic sandwich. The combination of savory tuna salad, melted cheese, and fresh avocado makes for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
• 2 green onions, trimmed and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped bell pepper (preferably red or orange)
• 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free lemon pepper
• 1 (6-ounce) can or jar of tuna in water, drained and flaked
• 2 thick slices of gluten-free sandwich bread
• Slices of Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Pepper Jack cheese
• Slices of fresh avocado
• Finely chopped chives, herbs, or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise with the celery, onions, bell pepper, and lemon pepper. Add the tuna and gently fold it in. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
2. Set a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the broiler. Use your toaster to lightly toast the bread slices.
3. Brush one side of each cooled piece of bread lightly with butter. Place the bread, buttered side down, in an ovenproof skillet. Spread half of the tuna salad on top of each piece of bread.
4. Arrange the cheese slices over the top of each sandwich. Slide the skillet under the broiler and cook for 1 to 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted over the tuna salad.
5. Remove from the broiler and transfer to two serving plates. Lay the slices of avocado over the top, season lightly with salt and pepper if desired, and sprinkle with the chives or other herbs. Serve immediately.

Source: The Heritage Cook [6]

7. Tuna White Bean Salad

This salad is a nutritional powerhouse, combining protein-rich tuna with fiber-packed white beans. The zesty lemon-dijon vinaigrette brings all the flavors together for a light yet filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (15-ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 (5-ounce) cans solid white tuna in water, drained
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 4 cups baby spinach or arugula

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl.
2. Add the beans, tuna, capers, dill, and red onion to the vinaigrette and stir to coat.
3. Divide the greens evenly between two shallow bowls and top each with half of the tuna bean salad.

Source: Skinnytaste [7]

8. Easy Gluten-Free Tuna Quinoa Patties

These tuna quinoa patties are a healthy and delicious way to incorporate more protein and whole grains into your diet. They are easy to make and can be served as a main course or a hearty snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of vegetable stock
• 5 ounces Bumble Bee Light Tuna (from pouch or can, drained)
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, cook quinoa according to package instructions, substituting water with vegetable stock. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tuna, eggs, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well incorporated.
3. Use a 1/3 cup measuring scoop to portion and form patties.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Add enough olive oil or vegetable oil to lightly coat the pan. Once the oil is hot, add patties to the pan. Cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Source: I’m Not the Nanny [8]

9. Tuna Melt Stuffed Bell Peppers

This creative recipe takes the classic tuna melt and gives it a low-carb, gluten-free twist by stuffing it into bell peppers. It’s a colorful, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, halved and cored
• 2 (4.5-ounce) cans StarKist Solid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 celery stalks, minced
• 4 green onions, sliced (greens and whites separated)
• 1/3 cup 2% Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place the green pepper halves in an oven-safe baking dish and bake until the peppers soften, about 15 minutes.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Add the tuna on top, along with the celery and most of the green onions (leaving some for garnish). Gently stir until well combined.
4. Scoop the tuna salad into the crevice of the four baked pepper halves and sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top. Return the peppers to the oven until the cheese melts, about 5 more minutes.
5. Garnish with extra green onions and serve warm.

Source: Feel Good Foodie [9]

10. Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad

This healthy and refreshing tuna pasta salad is a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s packed with veggies and a creamy, flavorful dressing.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces gluten-free bowties, or pasta of choice
• 3 (5-ounce) cans of tuna, drained
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced and halved
• 1 bell pepper, any color, diced
• 2/3 cup mayo
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dill weed
• 2 teaspoons coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, add the mayo, salt, dill, coconut aminos, dijon mustard, and lemon juice to a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth.
3. Add the cooked, cooled pasta to a large bowl along with the drained tuna and chopped veggies. Pour the mayo sauce mixture over top. Toss everything together until the sauce is incorporated. Serve right away, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Source: Mary’s Whole Life [10]

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References

[1] A Clean Bake. (n.d.). Mediterranean Tuna Salad (Mayo-Free) (Gluten Free and Paleo). Retrieved from https://acleanbake.com/mediterranean-tuna-salad/

[2] Killing Thyme. (2024, February 2). High-Protein Canned Tuna Bowl. Retrieved from https://www.killingthyme.net/high-protein-canned-tuna-bowl/

[3] What Great Grandma Ate. (n.d.). Easy Tuna Patties Recipe (Paleo, Whole30, Keto). Retrieved from https://whatgreatgrandmaate.com/simple-and-easy-tuna-patties/

[4] Downshiftology. (2025, June 20). Tuna Stuffed Avocados. Retrieved from https://downshiftology.com/recipes/tuna-stuffed-avocados/

[5] Mama Knows Gluten Free. (n.d.). Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole. Retrieved from https://www.mamaknowsglutenfree.com/gluten-free-tuna-casserole/

[6] The Heritage Cook. (2022, May 13). California Tuna Melts (Gluten Free). Retrieved from https://theheritagecook.com/california-tuna-melts-gluten-free/

[7] Skinnytaste. (2025, December 3). Tuna White Bean Salad (High Protein, High Fiber). Retrieved from https://www.skinnytaste.com/tuna-and-white-bean-salad/

[8] I’m Not the Nanny. (2021, May 5). Easy Gluten-Free Tuna Quinoa Patties. Retrieved from https://www.imnotthenanny.com/2021/05/gluten-free-tuna-quinoa-patties.html

[9] Feel Good Foodie. (2022, March 3). Tuna Melt Stuffed Bell Peppers. Retrieved from https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/tuna-melt-stuffed-bell-peppers/

[10] Mary’s Whole Life. (2024, September 10). Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad | Gluten-Free | Quick & Easy. Retrieved from https://www.maryswholelife.com/healthy-tuna-pasta-salad/
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