Tuna, But Make It Gourmet: Chef Charlotte Langley on the Sustainable Seafood Trend

Move over, avocado toast—canned tuna is taking center stage! With sales of MSC-certified sustainable tuna skyrocketing by over 500 per cent since 2022, Canadians are embracing this protein-packed pantry staple like never before. And it’s not just for old-school tuna melts—chefs and influencers are showing off creative, gourmet ways to turn a humble can of tuna into something extraordinary.

Enter Chef Charlotte Langley, a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Ambassador and the creative mind behind Nice Cans and Langley Foods Inc. Known for her signature ‘Maritime Chic’ culinary style, Charlotte is here to share her pro tips on why sustainable tuna is trending, how to elevate a basic tuna salad, and her go-to 10-minute seafood meals that are equal parts delicious, affordable, and ocean-friendly.

In this Q&A, Charlotte dishes on the sustainable seafood movement, her favorite fast recipes, and why choosing ocean-friendly tuna is more important than ever. —Noa Nichol

Canned tuna is making a major comeback. What do you think is driving this surge in popularity?

When you think about it, canned tuna is the perfect pantry staple: it’s a fantastic source of healthy protein, it’s affordable, and it’s planet-friendly if you choose sustainably caught canned wild tuna.

Mostly though, canned tuna is delicious and incredibly versatile, and maybe even one of the most convenient proteins you can have in your kitchen.

Speaking of convenience, thanks to growing demand, you can now find canned tuna that’s MSC certified sustainable in all major Canadian grocery chains.

Sustainability is a big conversation in the seafood industry. What should consumers look for when choosing sustainable tuna?

The easiest thing to look for is the MSC certified sustainable ecolabel – it’s a blue fish logo with the letters M-S-C above it that makes it easy to spot sustainable seafood options in the grocery store.  It’s the world’s most recognized program for sustainable fishing and you can find the logo on much more than just canned tuna – on frozen fish, fresh fish, even pet food.

Many people associate canned tuna with basic sandwiches. What are some unexpected ways to elevate tuna into a gourmet meal?

Canned tuna is a game changer in the kitchen! I love adding it to nourish bowls, pastas, frittatas, dumplings, dinner salads – and even sushi-inspired dishes. One of my favorite unexpected uses is in a tuna tonnato sauce—an Italian classic where silky, umami-rich tuna is blended into a creamy, tangy dressing that’s perfect over roasted vegetables or as a dip. It also shines in Mediterranean-inspired salads with crisp greens, briny olives, and citrusy vinaigrettes. The possibilities are endless!

You’ve been called a “tuna fish master.” What’s your secret to making the best-ever tuna salad or tuna melt?

The key to the perfect tuna salad is balance. I always aim for a mix of creamy, crunchy, briny, and fresh. A little Greek yogurt or Japanese Kewpie mayo for creaminess, diced celery or fennel for crunch, capers or cornichons for that briny kick, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill for brightness. For a next-level tuna melt, go for a high-quality bread, add a layer of Dijon mustard, and use a combination of cheeses—something melty like Gruyère paired with a sharp cheddar works wonders. Then, toast it to perfection!

What are your go-to ingredients for taking a simple can of tuna to the next level? Are there any flavour pairings that work surprisingly well?

There are so many! Canned tuna is delicious on its own, and simple to elevate with affordable ingredients that are probably in most fridges and pantries. My 5 groups of ‘enhancers” are an easy place to start:

Acid: A squeeze of fresh lemon or a splash of sherry vinegar adds brightness.

Creamy: Greek yogurt, tahini, or even mashed avocado for a richer texture.

Briny: Capers, anchovies, or a splash of olive brine enhance depth.

Fresh: Loads of fresh herbs—dill, parsley, basil, or even mint for a twist.

Spices: Smoked paprika, Aleppo pepper, or a hint of cumin add complexity.

Time is always a factor when it comes to home cooking. What are your favourite fast and easy ways to whip up a delicious tuna-based meal in 10 minutes or less?

In the winter, I love a quick tuna and white bean stew—just sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil, toss in a can of tuna and a can of white beans (with the liquid), some white wine, butter, and finish with lemon zest and parsley. Serve with crusty bread, and it’s the perfect cozy meal. In spring, my go-to is a simple tuna and pea pasta—just toss cooked pasta with canned tuna, blanched peas, a splash of pasta water, olive oil, and lots of black pepper. Season with salt to taste because all tins have varying levels of salinity. Quick, satisfying, and packed with protein.

With so many seafood options available, why is it so important to choose sustainably sourced tuna?

Tuna makes up about 30% of the global seafood market – it’s a highly loved species around the world, and for good reason!

As a species, tuna plays an important role in helping to maintain the ocean’s delicate biodiversity balance – it’s what’s called an indicator species meaning that the health of tuna populations can often be a proxy for the health of the surrounding marine ecosystem. So, if there’s one seafood product you should definitely make sure is certified sustainable, it’s tuna!

In Canada, a large portion of tuna sold comes in cans –A format I love because it’s incredibly convenient, long-lasting, and so easy to incorporate into meals at a moment’s notice. Whether I’m whipping up a quick pasta, a hearty stew, or a light salad, canned tuna always delivers on flavor and nutrition with minimal effort. As a tinned fishinado, having founded Scout and Nice Cans, tinned sustainable tuna is a must-have in my repertoire at all times.

Last year Canadian companies sold almost 100 million cans of certified sustainable tuna – and there are now 81 canned tuna products that are MSC certified sustainable, which means you should be able to find at least one option in almost any grocery store you walk into.

If we want to protect the oceans and our fisheries for future generations, it’s essential to choose sustainable canned tuna, and now, it’s easier than ever to do!

How can consumers ensure they’re buying truly sustainable seafood at the grocery store? Are there any labels or certifications to look for?

Yes! Look for the MSC ecolabel – it’s a logo with a blue fish and the letters M-S-C above it that’s very easy to spot on fish and seafood products at the grocery store. It’s a powerful way to support fisheries that are helping to protect the sustainability of our oceans.

Do you have any favourite dishes that showcase tuna in an unexpected way? We’ve heard you love using it in pho — how does that work?

That’s right! Adding canned tuna to pho is a game-changer. Traditional Vietnamese pho is all about layering flavors, and tuna brings a deep, savory umami note that complements the broth beautifully. I like to flake tuna into hot, aromatic broth just before serving, allowing it to absorb all those warming spices. It’s perfect with fresh herbs, chili, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Finally, what’s your all-time favourite canned tuna recipe? We’d love for you to share!

I have a bit of a love affair with gorgeous plump tomatoes. One of my favorites has to be Tuna Panzanella Salad—a fresh, vibrant take on the classic Italian bread salad, packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and chunks of MSC-certified sustainable tuna. The torn, crusty bread soaks up all the delicious flavors of the vinaigrette, making each bite incredibly satisfying.