Baked Tuna Salad: The Easiest Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Baked tuna salad brings back the warmest memories. My grandmother, bless her heart, used to whip up this comforting dish every Sunday for our family lunch. It wasn’t fancy, but it was filled with love and always disappeared in minutes. It was the kind of food that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul. Now, I'm sharing my updated version of her timeless classic. I think you'll find this version of baked tuna salad is just as comforting, easy to make, and absolutely delicious.

Why You Will Love This baked tuna salad Recipe

This baked tuna salad recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a potluck gathering. What I love most is how simple it is to throw together in less than 30 minutes. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with flaky tuna creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and reminiscent of childhood. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples. It reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons spent with family, sharing stories and laughter. Thinking of adding a twist to your menu? Take a peek at this Skillet Tuna Salad recipe for a delightful experience.

Ingredients Needed for This baked tuna salad Recipe

Here's everything you'll need to create this delicious baked tuna salad, with precise measurements for perfect results.

• Tuna: 2 cans (5 ounces each), packed in water, drained
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
• Celery: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon, or to taste
• Bread Crumbs: 1/2 cup, plain or seasoned
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted

How to Make This baked tuna salad Recipe

Follow these simple instructions to bake the best tuna salad you've ever tasted.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
4. Transfer the tuna mixture to the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the tuna mixture in the baking dish.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the tuna salad is heated through and bubbly.
8. Let the baked tuna salad cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve This baked tuna salad Recipe

This baked tuna salad is incredibly versatile.

Serve it hot, straight from the oven, for a comforting and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a side of crackers, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, try serving it over toasted English muffins or on top of a baked potato. Serve alongside a fresh side salad for the perfect lunch! Perhaps a fresh twist on an old favorite is more your speed? Why not try Baked Chicken Salad for a different flavor profile.

How to Store This baked tuna salad Recipe

Proper storage will keep your baked tuna salad fresh and delicious for longer.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover baked tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked tuna salad. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the baked tuna salad in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until heated.

Tips to Make This baked tuna salad Recipe

Here are some handy tips to ensure baking success and fabulous flavors.

• Ingredient Swaps: Use different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or Gruyere, for a unique flavor. Add chopped pickles or sweet relish for a tangy twist.
• Success Tips: Make sure the tuna is well drained to prevent a watery filling. Don't over bake, as this can dry out the tuna.
• Common Mistakes: Over baking is the most common mistake. Keep a close eye on the tuna salad and remove it from the oven when the bread crumbs are golden brown.
• Pro Tips: For a crispier topping, broil the bread crumbs for the last minute or two of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Helpful Notes for This baked tuna salad Recipe

A few extra notes to guide you to tuna salad perfection every time.

Consider using tuna packed in olive oil for a richer flavor. Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best possible taste. Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your liking, depending on your preferred consistency.

Variation of This baked tuna salad Recipe

Looking to get creative? Here are some ideas for variations on this classic dish.

• Spicy baked tuna salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Deluxe baked tuna salad: Add chopped hard boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.
• Mediterranean baked tuna salad: Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiring recipes and cooking tips!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy this comforting and satisfying baked tuna salad as much as my family does. It’s a simple, yet special dish that's perfect for any occasion. Be sure to let me know in the comments if you give it a try and how you like it! Sharing recipes like this delicious baked tuna salad is my absolute favorite.

Baked Tuna Salad: The Easiest Recipe You’ll Ever Make

A comforting and easy baked tuna salad recipe, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. This recipe combines creamy tuna with melted cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 25g

Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, packed in water, drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Transfer the tuna mixture to the baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter.
6. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the tuna mixture.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let cool before serving.

Notes

• For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2 minutes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked tuna salad. Adjust mayonnaise quantity to your liking.