Tuna Cashew Casserole
A hearty tuna casserole with crunchy cashews and crispy chow mein noodles, blending savory flavors perfect for a quick family dinner or comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil diced celery in salted water until tender.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of chow mein noodles for topping.
- In a casserole dish, combine the remaining noodles, cream of mushroom soup, tuna, cashew nuts, and cooked celery.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of chow mein noodles over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until it bubbles.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Tuna Cashew Casserole, consider adding some sautéed onions or garlic to the mixture. For a healthier alternative, you could substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using fresh mushrooms and low-fat milk. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or frozen celery can save you some prep time.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Cashew Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside some crusty bread or rice. It also makes a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings, appealing to fans of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Cashew Casserole contains roughly 1597 calories, with 34g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (86% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2624mg per serving (114% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you'll need to cook it first. Poach or grill it until fully cooked, then flake it into the casserole mixture. This will give your dish a fresher taste and texture compared to canned tuna.
What can I substitute for cashew nuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different texture, you can substitute cashew nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Both options will still add a nice crunch to the casserole without the nut flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply omit the tuna and replace it with additional vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked lentils for protein. You can also use a vegetable-based cream soup for extra flavor.
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).