Cashew Tuna Bake
A savory casserole combining tuna, crunchy cashews, and chow mein noodles, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery, onion, and green pepper to the skillet.
- Cook and stir until the onion is tender.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of chow mein noodles and stir in the remaining ingredients: the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, water, pepper, and remaining chow mein noodles.
- Pour the mixture into an ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the reserved chow mein noodles over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice. If you're out of chow mein noodles, you can substitute with crushed potato chips for a different crunch. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and swap half of the cashews with sunflower seeds. This dish will also work well with leftover cooked vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Cashew Tuna Bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added texture, serve with crusty bread or a side of rice. Consider complementing your dish with other seafood recipes, like Crab Cakes(Smith Island, Maryland) or Easy Crab Appetizers, for a delightful seafood-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Tuna Bake contains roughly 511 calories, with 15g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 984mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna for this recipe. Just cook the fresh tuna until it's fully cooked and flaky, then flake it into the mixture as you would with canned tuna. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the tuna.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chow mein noodles or replace them with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten in their ingredients.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the reserved chow mein noodles right before baking. This makes it a perfect option for a busy weeknight or a gathering.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).