Skillet Tuna Salad: Easy Weeknight Melt in 20 Minutes

December 12, 2025

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Skillet tuna salad is a comfort food classic with a fun twist, and this recipe takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Forget the mayo laden mixtures of your childhood. This is a warm, cheesy, flavor packed skillet tuna salad that you'll want to make again and again. It's the perfect quick meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend lunch. If your day needs a boost or you're unsure which ingredient to try next, have a look to our suggestions. This skillet tuna salad is a dish close to my heart, inspired by my grandmother's ingenious ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

Why You Will Love This skillet tuna salad Recipe

This warm skillet tuna salad is pure comfort food. It’s quick to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time and energy. The combination of the flaky tuna, melted cheese, and toasted breadcrumbs creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples and minimize food waste. I remember many after school snacks that were created at random, just like the delicious Kardashian Salad Easy Steps. This is a meal that brings back those happy memories and adds a touch of warmth to any day.

Ingredients Needed for This skillet tuna salad Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful skillet tuna salad. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry!

Canned Tuna: 2 (5 ounce) cans, drained well
Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
Celery: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, divided
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup, plain or panko
Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish

How to Make This skillet tuna salad Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a warm, cheesy, and satisfying skillet tuna salad.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a separate small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Pour the tuna mixture into a 9 inch oven safe skillet.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) evenly over the tuna mixture.
Top with the buttered breadcrumbs, distributing them evenly over the cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving and don't forget to be ready for a delicious Protein Cookie Recipe to enjoy after.

How to Serve This skillet tuna salad Recipe

This skillet tuna salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

As a Dip: Serve it warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
As a Sandwich Filling: Spoon it onto toasted bread or rolls for a warm and comforting sandwich.
Over Pasta: Toss it with cooked pasta for a quick and easy tuna casserole alternative.
With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Garnish: Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor and visual appeal.

How to Store This skillet tuna salad Recipe

Proper storage will help to maintain the flavor and texture of your leftover skillet tuna salad.

Refrigeration: Store leftover skillet tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise may separate and the texture of the tuna can become mushy.
Reheating: Reheat the skillet tuna salad in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.

Tips to Make This skillet tuna salad Recipe

Here are some tips to help you achieve the best possible results when making this skillet tuna salad.

Drain the Tuna Well: Excess moisture from the tuna can make the mixture watery, so be sure to drain it thoroughly.
Don't Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the tuna and make the cheese tough. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Customize the Flavors: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick, or some chopped dill for a fresh, herbal flavor such as Hamachi Crudo.
Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and evenly than pre shredded cheese.

Helpful Notes for This skillet tuna salad Recipe

Here are some additional notes to help you make the perfect skillet tuna salad.

Type of Tuna: I prefer to use albacore tuna for its firm texture and mild flavor, but you can use any type of canned tuna you prefer.
Breadcrumbs: You can use plain breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers for the topping.
Skillet: If you don't have an oven safe skillet, you can transfer the tuna mixture to a baking dish before topping with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Variation of This skillet tuna salad Recipe

Here are some variations to spice up your skillet tuna salad!

Spicy Tuna Salad: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tuna mixture for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad: Add some chopped Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the tuna mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
Vegetable Packed Tuna Salad: Add some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the tuna mixture for added nutrients and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make skillet tuna salad?

Skillet tuna salad involves combining tuna, cheese, and other ingredients of your choice and cooking it in a skillet until it’s warm and melted. You can find specific recipes online for varied approaches!

What kind of cheese is best for skillet tuna salad?

Cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone are popular choices for skillet tuna salad due to their melting properties and flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses can lead to unique and delicious results.

What can I serve with skillet tuna salad?

Skillet tuna salad is great enjoyed on its own, but you can also serve it with crackers, toast, or a side salad. This adds texture and rounds out your meal making for a more balanced experience.

Can I make skillet tuna salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the tuna salad base ahead of time, but it’s best to cook it in the skillet just before serving for optimal texture and flavor. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.