Cashew Tuna Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tuna, crunchy cashews, and crispy chow mein noodles, perfect for a comforting family dinner with savory and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the mushroom soup with water until smooth.
- Combine the soup mixture with tuna or chicken, chopped celery, onion, cashews, and sliced pimentos if using.
- Save a few chow mein noodles for topping and mix the rest into the casserole.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the reserved chow mein noodles.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding garlic powder or a dash of lemon juice. You can substitute the tuna with canned salmon or any other flaky fish to vary the protein. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles instead of chow mein.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also serve it alongside crusty bread for a comforting dinner. For a twist, consider serving it with Marinated Green Beans And Shrimp to add a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Tuna Casserole contains roughly 1206 calories, with 39g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), protein (78% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 616mg per serving (27% 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 ingredients instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh mushrooms sautéed with onions instead of canned mushroom soup, and fresh cooked chicken or fish for a healthier alternative. Just be sure to adjust the liquid in your recipe to maintain the right consistency.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply skip the tuna or chicken and add more vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or cooked lentils for protein. You can also use vegetable broth or cream in place of the mushroom soup for added flavor.
What can I substitute for chow mein noodles?
If you don't have chow mein noodles, you can use crispy fried onions, crushed potato chips, or even panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Each will provide a different texture but will still complement the casserole well.
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).