Ideas for Using Canned Meat and Fish

Canned meat and fish are  adaptable for many different uses  which makes  them great ingredients for busy weeknight meals and convenient on-the-go lunches. Because refrigeration is not needed until containers have been opened, pouches and cans of chicken, tuna, or salmon are great sources of protein to pack and take along with you. These foods are also great to have on hand during power outages and other times when you need to throw a meal together quickly. An added bonus is that canned meat and fish is affordable, which helps to lower food costs. 

Here are some ideas for incorporating these foods into your meals:

• Homemade soup -  Making homemade soup helps save money and is a great way to use leftover vegetables, pasta, rice, or barley. Add drained, canned chicken to soups and stews to make a healthy main dish.  Serve soup for lunch or dinner with a side salad and whole grain bread or crackers.
  
  
• Lettuce wraps - Mix canned chicken or tuna with some low-fat mayonnaise or Italian or Ranch salad dressing.. Throw in  chopped or shredded veggies like carrots, peppers, onions or a bean and corn salsa, for flavor and crunch! Serve inside lettuce leaves.
  
  
• Burritos - Add a packet of taco or chili seasoning mix to canned chicken. Stir in canned beans, canned tomatoes, corn, peppers and onions to make burrito filling. Serve inside whole grain tortillas and top with low-fat cheese and salsa.
  
  
• Salads - Top a salad with canned chicken, salmon, or tuna and turn it into a main dish. Blend canned chicken or fish with low-fat mayo or salad dressing. Add dried or fresh herbs and chopped veggies like onion, celery, and peppers. If you like your salad a little sweet, stir in some cranberries, mandarin oranges or sliced grapes. Serve on whole grain bread or tortillas. 
  
  
• Pasta - Make a protein-packed meal with canned tuna, salmon, or chicken. Add drained chicken or fish to cooked pasta, cooked rice, or to a casserole for a quick and satisfying  lunch or dinner.

• Omelet - Stir canned meat into scrambled eggs or add into an omelet along with chopped peppers and onions and some shredded, low-fat cheese. Serve with whole grain toast. 

There are many things you can do with these convenient meal starters. Stock up on canned meat and fish when it is on sale, and a quick, protein-rich meal is  just a few minutes away!