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.

Farro and tuna salad: a light, tasty recipe that's perfect year-roundRecipe Farro and tuna salad: a light, tasty recipe that's perfect year-round

Farro and tuna salad is a fresh, balanced dish that's perfect for any occasion. Great as a light lunch, a meal to take to work or a quick dinner, it's 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 air fryer tuna fritters: an irresistible appetizer!Recipe Crispy air fryer tuna fritters: an irresistible appetizer!

Who doesn't love a good tuna fritter ? As well as being a great option for a quick, nutritious appetizer , this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy diet, since we use an Air Fryer (or you can bake them in the oven if you prefer)....

Composed rice salad (easy and quick)Recipe Composed 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.

Easy, fluffy creamy sardine blender pieRecipe Easy, fluffy creamy sardine blender pie

This easy, fluffy creamy pie with sardines , made in a blender , is one of those practical recipes that can save any meal. The light batter comes together quickly in the blender, and the flavorful filling is made with well-seasoned sardines. The...


Sardine saladRecipe Sardine salad

This sardine salad is not only super quick to make, but can also be prepared with ingredients that everyone has at home. It is a perfect appetizer for a snack with friends or any other type of celebration, as it can be served on crispy toast. An...

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 replacing the chickpeas with white beans. This easy, healthy, inexpensive, and very tasty recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare and is perfect for...

Vegetarian red bean pattiesRecipe Vegetarian red bean patties

Steaks don't have to be made of meat! This recipe for vegetarian steaks proves it ↓

4. Recipes with chickpeas

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

Chickpea curry: a delicious vegan recipeRecipe Chickpea curry: a delicious vegan recipe

When it comes to comfort food , we're always happy to make room for chickpea curry ! Served with rice, this fragrant dish will take your taste buds on a journey and warm you up :-) Think we're exaggerating? Give it a try and you'll soon be won over...

Chickpea salad with codRecipe Chickpea salad with cod

Choose this chickpea and cod salad for a light, nutritious, complete, and fragrant meal. It’s also a great option to take along on a picnic or to work. Easy and delicious, this dish comes together in just minutes. Mix everything together and it’s...

Creamy lebanese hummusRecipe Creamy lebanese hummus

Chickpeas are on the menu today! Enjoy this recipe as a starter or an appetizer, served with pita bread, toast, or crudités ;-)

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 the air fryer: tasty and super quick to prepare!Recipe Pea and feta meatballs in the air fryer: tasty and super quick to prepare!

Simple ingredients, just a few minutes of preparation, and you’ll have a delicious dish to serve: pea, feta and mint meatballs cooked in an air fryer are a great vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs . They are very versatile and can be...

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

Rice salad is a staple in spring and summer: light yet nutritious , tasty, fresh and colorful . None of the ingredients we use need to be cooked (except the rice, of course), so you won't need to spend much time at the stove —and that's great news...

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

Baked pasta with peas and cooked ham is one of those dishes that instantly feels like home: Sunday tables set for lunch and forks sinking into a still-steaming baking dish. This Italian classic wins you over at the first bite with the perfect balance...

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! In addition to giving the crepes a vibrant color , beet enriches the dish with its antioxidant properties and its vitamins and...

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, refreshing starterRecipe Beet verrines: an easy, refreshing starter

Want to add some color to your menu? Beet will be your best friend! Simply blend it with cream cheese and a few herbs to add flavor, and you'll have a super-fresh beet purée. Give it a try—we can assure you that you'll love it ;-) What's more, it's...

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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