Tuna Or Chicken Salad Bake
A creamy, savory casserole combining tuna or chicken with vegetables and crispy chips, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mayo or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 or 9 oz) can tuna, drained or 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 cup crushed potato chips or other crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute in a skillet until tender the diced celery, chopped onion, and margarine.
- Mix in the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise or salad dressing, salt, chopped eggs, and drained tuna or cooked chicken.
- Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips or other crumbs over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can also substitute the tuna with canned salmon for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a lighter option, use low-fat mayo or a vinaigrette instead of traditional salad dressing. This dish can be customized with your favorite herbs or spices for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna or Chicken Salad Bake is delightful served with a crisp green salad or over a bed of rice. For a heartier meal, pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete dinner. It makes for a great potluck dish or a comforting weeknight meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Or Chicken Salad Bake contains roughly 988 calories, with 9g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), potassium (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2918mg per serving (127% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the dish without baking it, and when you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the potato chips on top and bake as directed. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce or a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth. This will still provide a creamy texture while reducing sodium and preservatives in the dish.
Can I freeze the Tuna or Chicken Salad Bake?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed. Note that the texture of the potato chips may change after freezing.
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).