Copycat Tuna Helper without Milk [Easy Recipe]
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I’m always looking for ways to make creamy and comforting meals without relying on dairy. As someone who avoids milk, finding alternatives for recipes like Tuna Helper can be challenging. So, whenever I crave a warm, cheesy pasta dish, I turn to my tried-and-true tuna helper recipe made with creamy, non-dairy ingredients!
Stick around, and I’ll show you how to make a delicious tuna helper using coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and vegetable broth, among other solutions, instead of the traditional milk and cheese. The results are rich, satisfying, and completely dairy-free.
What Can You Use Instead of Milk for Tuna Helper?
When I want to make this dish creamy without the milk, I turn to coconut milk, almond milk, cashew cream, or broth. These dairy-free alternatives add richness to the mal without lactose.
- Rich and luxurious, coconut milk adds a subtle tropical twist. Simmer the tuna, veggies, and pasta in coconut milk and spices like chili, cumin, and cilantro for a Thai-inspired take.
- Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk works great as a 1:1 substitute for cow’s milk. For extra creaminess, use blended plant milk (like almond-coconut) and stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with the plant milk before adding.
- Vegetable, chicken, or mushroom broth creates a savory base for Tuna Helper. Simmer the tuna, pasta, and veggies in broth until heated, then stir in olive oil or coconut cream and fresh or dried herbs for extra flavor. The broth keeps it creamy without the milk.
Any of these milk alternatives will make a creamy pasta dish the whole family will love. Serve it up with a simple salad or steamed veggies on the side. Leftovers can be reheated, but I like adding more plant-based milk or cream since it can thicken when refrigerated.
Coconut milk is my number one substitute for dairy milk in a homemade Tuna Helper. It has a rich, creamy consistency that mimics heavy cream. Look for full-fat coconut milk, not the “lite” version.
How to Make Tuna Helper without Milk?
I’ve found some great creamy alternatives for when I want a nice homemade Tuna Helper but don’t want or have any milk on hand. My go-to substitute is coconut milk!
Step 1: Cooking the Noodles
Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. Sometimes, I also like to use other types of pasta.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk the coconut milk, mayonnaise, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Combining Everything Together
Once simmering, stir in the tuna and cheese until the cheese has melted and is well incorporated. Remove from heat and stir in the pasta. Mix well to coat.
For this, I like to use a casserole dish, and if I have some additional time, I also sprinkle it over with some grated cheese and pop it into the oven for 15 minutes. It’s basically a casserole!
Sprinkle over with some grated parmesan, and you’re done!
How to Serve No-Milk Tuna Helper?
Now that you have a delicious base, it’s time to serve it up. Here are some of my favorite ways to plate this dairy-free comfort food:
- A hearty scoop of Tuna Helper makes a satisfying topping for a bowl of rice, quinoa, or other whole grains. The starch helps balance the richness and provides extra nutrition. I like to garnish it with sliced scallions, avocado, or crunchy pepitas.
- Spoon some into crisp romaine or butter lettuce cups for a lighter option. The fresh lettuce adds a nice contrasting texture and helps cut through the creaminess. These lettuce Tuna Helper cups make an easy, impressive appetizer for guests.
- Raw veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, and snap peas pair great with the Tuna Helper. Simply arrange the assorted crudités around the edge of your plate or bowl and dip or mix them in! I like to add some olives, too!
- One of my favorite ways to serve Tuna Helper is stuffed into a grilled cheese sandwich. Pile the tuna helper onto the bread, top with cheese, and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. The gooey, melted cheese helps hold all the ingredients together in each delicious bite. Comfort food at its finest!
As you can see, many ways exist to enjoy your dairy-free tuna helper creations. Mix and match the options for a meal that suits your tastes. Most of all, have fun with it!
What to Do with Leftover Tuna Helper?
As soon as you’ve enjoyed your creamy tuna helper, refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours. Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, so chilling the dish quickly will prevent foodborne illness. Leftovers will last up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Transfer the tuna helper to an airtight storage container or ziplock bag before refrigerating. This prevents air exposure and keeps other smells in the fridge from seeping into the dish. A lid or sealed bag will also keep the dish from drying out.
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). I like to reheat tuna helper in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until bubbly hot all the way through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. Make sure there are no cold spots before serving.
When reheating, you can add extra ingredients to make each serving unique. Stir in peas, corn, broccoli, or spinach. Top with shredded cheese, sliced olives, scallions, or avocado. Adding fresh garnishes and mix-ins prevents leftovers from becoming dull.
As tempting as it may be, do not re-freeze tuna helper after reheating. Freezing, then thawing and reheating again can allow harmful bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels. For the best quality and safety, enjoy your leftovers within four days, and do not re-freeze. [1]
This creamy and flavorful recipe will become a new staple whether you are avoiding dairy, looking for a lighter option, or just want to mix up your usual tuna helper routine.
When you try it out, make sure to tell me which one you like better: the original or the non-dairy version! You can do it in the comments below!
No Milk Tuna Helper Copycat
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut milk (13.5 ounces)
- 1 can tuna (drained, 12 ounces)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups pasta of your choice
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk the coconut milk, mayonnaise, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Combining Everything Together and Serving
- Once simmering, stir in the tuna and cheese until the cheese has melted and is well incorporated. Remove from heat and stir in the pasta. Mix well to coat.
- Enjoy your homemade Tuna Helper without milk with a side dish of your choice!
Nutrition
Before diving into the nutritional details, please review our Nutritional Disclaimer page for important context and clarifications.
