Is your week too busy? These 18 recipes with preserves can make your meals effortless

Wednesday 29 April 2026 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
Is your week too busy? These 18 recipes with preserves can make your meals effortless

If you feel like you don't have enough time to cook during the week, but still want to keep meals practical and tasty, canned foods could be the solution you've been ignoring. Far more than basic options, these ingredients are versatile, affordable and ideal for putting together quick dishes without the hassle.

Tuna, sardines, beans, peas, chickpeas and beet are perfect examples of items that can go far beyond the obvious. Ready to use or with minimal preparation, they allow you to create complete recipes in just a few minutes, helping you to save time without sacrificing the taste or quality of your meals.

Another point that makes all the difference is day-to-day practicality. Having these ingredients in the pantry means less worry about planning and more freedom to improvise dishes that really work, whether it's for a busy lunch, a quick dinner or even that last-minute meal.

Contrary to what many people think, cooking with canned food doesn't have to be repetitive. With the right combinations, you can vary a lot and turn simple ingredients into creative, balanced recipes full of personality.

In this article, you'll find 18 canned food recipes designed to make your routine easier and save your week. They are practical, quick and accessible ideas that show how you can eat well every day, even when time is short and you don't feel like cooking.


1. Recipes with tuna

Practical, versatile and rich in protein, canned tuna is one of the best allies for quick meals, combining effortlessly with salads, pasta and even fuller dishes.

Spelt and tuna salad: light, tasty and perfect year-round recipeRecipe Spelt and tuna salad: light, tasty and perfect year-round recipe

Spelt and tuna salad is a fresh, balanced dish that is perfect for any occasion. Great as a light lunch, meal to take to work or quick dinner, it is an ideal choice for those who want to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. In our version,...

Tuna onigiri, the little japanese triangular rice sandwich - おにぎりRecipe Tuna onigiri, the little japanese triangular rice sandwich - おにぎり

When we think of Japanese culinary culture, we obviously think of sushi , ramen and even the famous Okonomiyaki omelette... But what we particularly adore is the onigiri ! This little triangle of rice is the ideal snack for an on-the-go lunch,...

Potato, tuna, and tomato saladRecipe Potato, tuna, and tomato salad

Hotter days call for refreshing and nutritious salads like this potato and tuna salad. Easy to prepare, it is ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for making an appetizer before the meal. Check out our recipe below:

Crispy tuna fritters with air fryer: an irresistible aperitif!Recipe Crispy tuna fritters with air fryer: an irresistible aperitif!

Beware, here's our new aperitif addiction : super-easy and quick tuna fritters made with the Air Fryer! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they can be served as an aperitif with a yoghurt sauce , or accompanied by a green salad for a...

Rice salad (easy and quick)Recipe Rice salad (easy and quick)

Rice salad is the perfect recipe to take on a picnic! Very easy to make, it will be just as simple to slip it into a Tupperware to take anywhere with you. A perfect idea to keep in mind when you're short on inspiration for your packed lunches at...

2. Recipes with sardines

Nutritious and full of flavor, canned sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 and transform simple recipes into more intense and striking dishes.

Sardine cake: a simple, moist and tasty recipeRecipe Sardine cake: a simple, moist and tasty recipe

This sardine cake is the kind of practical recipe we like to have. The batter is quickly prepared in a blender , making the recipe even simpler and more accessible. Once in the oven, the cake becomes golden brown on the outside while remaining...


Sardine pâtéRecipe Sardine pâté

This sardine pâté is not only a super quick recipe to make, but we can also prepare it with ingredients that everyone has at home. It is a perfect appetizer for a snack with friends or any other type of celebration, as we can serve it on crispy bread...

3. Recipes with ready-made beans

Already cooked and ready to use, canned beans save time in the kitchen and allow you to create complete, nutritious and comforting meals in just a few minutes.

White bean and coconut milk hummusRecipe White bean and coconut milk hummus

You probably already know hummus, that silky Lebanese dip made with chickpeas. Today, we add a twist by substituting chickpeas with white beans. This easy, healthy, economical, and very tasty recipe can be prepared in just 5 minutes and is perfect for...

Vegetarian red bean burgers - video recipe!Recipe Vegetarian red bean burgers - video recipe!

You don't have to give up burgers just because you're a vegetarian! Here's proof that you can enjoy them without eating meat!

4. Recipes with chickpeas

Rich in fiber and protein, canned chickpeas are ideal for healthier and more filling dishes, without sacrificing practicality.

Chickpea curry, the super gourmet vegan recipeRecipe Chickpea curry, the super gourmet vegan recipe

In the list of comforting dishes , we gladly ask for a chickpea curry ! Served with rice, this fragrant recipe will warm your stomach :-) You'll see how easy this recipe is with the steps explained below ↓

Chickpea salad with codRecipe Chickpea salad with cod

For a light, nutritious and flavorful meal, our chickpea and cod salad is sure to please! The perfect recipe to take along for a sunny picnic lunch. And a new way to get the whole family to eat fish (and if you also think about cooking cod au gratin,...

Creamy lebanese hummus - video recipe!Recipe Creamy lebanese hummus - video recipe!

We are celebrating chickpeas today with this delicious Lebanese specialty! Enjoy this recipe all day long with pita bread or fresh veggies!

5. Recipes with peas

Light, slightly sweet and extremely practical, canned or frozen peas add color, texture and freshness to many quick everyday recipes.

Pea and feta meatballs in airfryer: tasty and super quick to prepare!Recipe Pea and feta meatballs in airfryer: tasty and super quick to prepare!

Simple ingredients, just a few minutes of preparation and you have a tasty dish to bring to the table: pea, feta and mint meatballs cooked in an air fryer are a great vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs . They are very versatile and...

Vegetarian rice salad: feta, corn, carrots, peas, cherry tomatoes and mintRecipe Vegetarian rice salad: feta, corn, carrots, peas, cherry tomatoes and mint

The essential of our picnic day? The rice salad! Here we offer you a vegetarian recipe, filled with flavors and vegetables to fill up with fiber and vitamins. Add a hint of mint for freshness and here you are with the perfect recipe for eating out ;-)

Creamy baked pasta with peas and ham au gratinRecipe Creamy baked pasta with peas and ham au gratin

Baked pasta with peas and ham is a comforting Italian classic. This creamy dish stands out for its rich texture, combining velvety and creamy béchamel sauce with melted stringy mozzarella cheese , all finished with a delicious parmesan gratin...

6. Recipe with beet

With its distinctive, slightly sweet flavor, pickled beet brings color and personality to dishes, as well as being a practical option to vary the menu.

Beet crepe rolls with ricotta cheese and arugulaRecipe Beet crepe rolls with ricotta cheese and arugula

Have you ever tried the unusual combination of beet with ricotta and arugula ? Our crepe rolls will surprise you! The beet, in addition to giving a vibrant color to the crepes, enriches the preparation with its antioxidant properties and its...

Beet ravioli, a simple and elegant starterRecipe Beet ravioli, a simple and elegant starter

Looking for an appetizer that makes a statement without being complicated? These beet ravioli are as elegant as they are easy to prepare. Thin slices of beet serve as a shell for a fresh filling of ricotta, lemon and arugula , all served with a...

Beet verrines: an easy and fresh starterRecipe Beet verrines: an easy and fresh starter

Want color in your menu? Beet will be your best friend for this! Just mixed with cream cheese and a few herbs to spice it up, you will obtain super fresh beet cream . Try it, we can assure you that you will love it ;-) And what's more, it's super...

Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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