Tuna has long been a favorite protein source for bodybuilders, dieters, and other athletes. It's cheap, fast, portable, and preportioned into convenient sizes. Did I mention it was cheap? The fact is, it is a great source of protein and omega-3 essential fats and it makes a great snack too.

Solid white albacore can taste great all by itself if it fits your budget. If not, here are a few "straight outta the can" recipes you can use to bring a little life into your next can of tuna (or canned chicken).

Straight Outta The Can Recipes

Lemon Pepper Tuna: Lemon juice and fresh ground pepper, or sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning

Lemon juice and fresh ground pepper, or sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning Balsamic Tuna: Balsamic vinegar and fresh ground pepper

Balsamic vinegar and fresh ground pepper Mustard Dill Tuna: Dill, 1 tbsp mustard, and chopped celery

Dill, 1 tbsp mustard, and chopped celery Southwest Tuna: 1 tbsp nonfat mayo, 1/4 of a Anaheim green chile (chopped), black pepper to taste

1 tbsp nonfat mayo, 1/4 of a Anaheim green chile (chopped), black pepper to taste Honey Mustard Tuna: 1-2 tbsp honey mustard

1-2 tbsp honey mustard Tuna-Fried Rice: Saute cooked brown rice, chopped green or yellow onions, and egg whites in pan sprayed with butter-flavored nonstick spray. Mix in tuna and serve.

Saute cooked brown rice, chopped green or yellow onions, and egg whites in pan sprayed with butter-flavored nonstick spray. Mix in tuna and serve. Tuna-Stuffed Tomato: Mix 1 tbsp nonfat mayo, pepper, and tuna, and stuff inside a tomato. Top tomato with a slice of mozzarella cheese and bake in toaster oven until cheese melts.

Mix 1 tbsp nonfat mayo, pepper, and tuna, and stuff inside a tomato. Top tomato with a slice of mozzarella cheese and bake in toaster oven until cheese melts. Old El Paso Tuna: 1 heaping tbsp salsa or 1 tbsp chopped green chiles

1 heaping tbsp salsa or 1 tbsp chopped green chiles Tuna Italiano: 1 tbsp Italian dressing or olive oil vinaigrette, fresh ground pepper

1 tbsp Italian dressing or olive oil vinaigrette, fresh ground pepper Tuna Balsamico: 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar, a few dashes oregano, ground pepper to taste

1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar, a few dashes oregano, ground pepper to taste Tuna Piccata: 1 tsp capers, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp parsley, fresh ground pepper

1 tsp capers, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp parsley, fresh ground pepper All-American Tuna: 1 tbsp fat-free mayo, 1 chopped pickle, 1/2 stalk chopped celery or onion

1 tbsp fat-free mayo, 1 chopped pickle, 1/2 stalk chopped celery or onion Texas Tuna: 1 tbsp barbecue sauce

1 tbsp barbecue sauce Tuna Melt: 1 tbsp fat-free mayo, 1 oz. cheese melted on top

1 tbsp fat-free mayo, 1 oz. cheese melted on top Tuna Parmesan: Mix in 1 tbsp ketchup, tomato sauce, or spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with bread crumbs or a crushed cracker, top with 1 oz. low-fat mozzarella cheese. Cook in microwave or toaster oven until cheese melts.

Mix in 1 tbsp ketchup, tomato sauce, or spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with bread crumbs or a crushed cracker, top with 1 oz. low-fat mozzarella cheese. Cook in microwave or toaster oven until cheese melts. No-Time Tuna: 1 fork, 1 glass of water

Tuna Melt Patties

Here's a special edition of an American classic that clocks in at a preparation speed of five minutes or less!

View Recipe Here