Tuna casserole is a cherished classic that has been around for generations. With a creamy sauce, tender noodles, and a hint of cheese, it’s no wonder why this dish has stood the test of time.
However, serving tuna casserole on its own can sometimes leave you wondering what to serve with tuna casserole to make it a well-rounded meal. Fear not!
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, finding the right-side dishes to complement your main course can sometimes be a challenge.
As an experienced cook, I’ve put together a list of quick and amazing side dishes that will elevate your tuna casserole to a whole new level.
What is tuna casserole? What does tuna casserole taste like?
Tuna casserole is an American dish consisting of canned tuna, egg noodles, and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.
It has a savory flavor from the combination of tuna and vegetables mixed with creamy cheese and butter.
The crunchy texture of the breadcrumbs adds another level of flavor as well as texture making it a hearty meal.
17 Best Sides to serve with tuna casserole
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and squash can bring out their innate sweetness and add a healthy serving of veggies to your meal.
Simply pinch with salt, pepper, and olive oil, and roast in the cook stove at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
2. Garlic Bread
A classic side dish that pairs well with any pasta dish, including tuna casserole!
To make it, cut a baguette into slices, mix garlic and butter, and spread the mixture on the bread. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
3. Caesar Salad
A tangy and creamy Caesar salad is a refreshing side dish that will balance out the richness of the tuna casserole.
Toss lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing together for a simple yet delicious salad.
4. Grilled Asparagus
Grilling asparagus brings out its natural smokiness and gives it a crispy texture.
Simply baste asparagus with olive oil and grill for 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes infused with garlic are an indulgent comfort food that pairs perfectly with a tuna casserole.
Boil potatoes, mash them up with butter and garlic, and pinch with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Caprese Salad
Fresh and light, a Caprese salad made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar is a great side dish to balance the heartiness of tuna casserole.
Discover More: Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
7. Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is an ideal classic side dish that combines crisp-tender green beans with toasted almonds and butter.
Simply sauté green beans in a skillet and then toss with melted butter and toasted almonds.
8. Cheddar Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits with melted cheddar cheese are the perfect complement to creamy tuna casserole.
Make a batch from scratch or pick up a can of Pillsbury Grands biscuits at your local grocery store.
9. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, sticky honey-glazed carrots add a touch of elegance to your meal.
Boil carrots until tender, then toss in a mixture of honey, butter, and brown sugar. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until glazed and caramelized.
10. Coleslaw
A crunchy and refreshing coleslaw is a great option to add some texture and flavor to your meal.
Simply mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing of your choosing (mayonnaise or vinegar-based) together and serve chilled.
11. Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are the perfect side dish to serve with tuna casserole. They are easy to make, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
Simply toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and roast in the cookstove for about 15 minutes. The result is mouth-watering cherry tomatoes that go perfectly with your tuna casserole.
12. Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
For a lighter ideal side dish to balance out the richness of the tuna casserole, a green salad with lemon vinaigrette is an excellent choice.
Create a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado, and top it off with a tangy lemon vinaigrette to enhance the flavors of the dish.
13. Cheesy Baked Zucchini
For a vegetable side dish that’s a little more indulgent, cheesy baked zucchini is the way to go.
Slice zucchini into rounds, then top with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic.
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, and you’ll have a cheesy, crispy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect with your tuna casserole.
Explore More:What to Serve with Sausage Stuffed Zucchini
14. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect mouth-watering and healthy vegetable side dish that is accompanied perfectly with tuna casserole.
Start by tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them on the cookstove for about 20 minutes. The result is crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts that are packed with nutrients.
15. Sweet Corn Salad
Sweet corn salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s great for summer.
Mix corn with tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro, then dress it with a simple vinaigrette. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to make.
16. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is another indulgent side dish that your guests are sure to love. Wrap asparagus in bacon slices, and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.
This dish is crispy, savory, and flavorful, making it the perfect complement to your tuna casserole.
17. Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are an ideal healthy and delicious side dish that provides a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Simply toss them with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings, and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes. The result is tender, flavorful carrots that go perfectly with your tuna casserole.
What bread goes with tuna casserole?
Tuna casserole is a classic dish that pairs perfectly with many types of bread. Here are five of the very best breads to pair with your tuna casserole:
1. Pita Bread
Pita bread is a great option for a tuna casserole. Its hearty, chewy texture stands up well to the creamy sauce and flavorful filling in the casserole.
Plus, its handy pocket shapes make it easy to scoop up your favorite morsels of tuna and veggies.
2. Focaccia
Focaccia is an Italian-style flatbread that’s made with olive oil and herbs, giving it a savory flavor that complements the flavors of a tuna casserole perfectly.
It’s also nicely textured, providing just enough crunch when you bite into it without being too dry or crumbly.
Find Out More: Hearty Soups Perfectly Paired with Focaccia Bread
3. French Bread
French bread is another great option for pairing with a tuna casserole, as it has just enough chewiness to hold up against the creamy sauce without becoming soggy or falling apart too easily.
Plus, its airy texture gives it an extra lightness that adds a nice contrast to heavier elements in the dish, like potatoes or noodles.
4. Ciabatta
Ciabatta is similar to focaccia but has more of an open crumb structure and a more crunchy texture due to its larger holes and air pockets inside the loaf. (Recipe)
This makes it perfect for scooping up all of those delicious chunks of fish and vegetables in your casserole while still giving you some crunchy texture at the same time!
5. Sourdough
Sourdough provides yet another wonderful option for pairing with tuna casseroles, as its tangy flavor provides a bright contrast to the rich creaminess of a typical recipe while still having enough heft in order to stand up against any heavier ingredients such as potatoes or pasta shells.
Plus, its slightly crisp crust helps keep each bite from becoming too soggy if left out on the table for too long!
What dessert goes with tuna casserole?
Tuna casserole is a hearty dish that pairs well with a light and refreshing dessert. A classic option is to serve a fruit salad with a scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt on top.
Other options include baked apples, lemon bars, or even just slices of fresh fruit with a dollop of whipped cream.
For something more indulgent, you could try making a rich caramel cheesecake or chocolate mousse tart.
Whichever dessert you choose, the combination of the savory tuna casserole and the sweet treat will make for an unforgettable meal!
What are the best flavors to go with tuna casserole?
Tuna casserole lends itself to a variety of flavorful combinations. For the best results, you can choose ingredients that are both complementary and contrasting, such as combining earthy mushrooms with bright and zesty lemon juice.
Other popular flavors to add include sweet onions, crunchy celery, garlic, creamy cheese, and herbs like oregano or dill.
If you prefer a more robust flavor profile, you can also add smoked paprika or capers for an extra punch of flavor.
For a little sweetness, try adding some diced tomatoes or even a splash of white wine. No matter what flavors you decide to go with for your tuna casserole, it’s sure to be delicious!
Learn More: Best & Delicious Side Dishes for Tuna
How do you jazz up tuna casserole?
You can jazz up tuna casserole by adding various ingredients such as diced tomatoes, cooked vegetables like peas or corn, chopped bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and cheeses such as mozzarella or parmesan.
You can also mix in some seasonings such as garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley flakes and Italian seasoning for an additional boost of flavor.
For a crunchy topping to your casserole, you could add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking it in the oven.
Lastly, a few spoonfuls of sour cream are perfect for adding extra creaminess when served.
Explore More: Delicious and Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Casserole
How do you display tuna casserole on a platter?
To display tuna casserole on a platter, start by arranging the ingredients in an appealing way.
Place a layer of cooked macaroni noodles on the bottom of the platter. Next, spread a generous amount of creamy tuna sauce over the macaroni.
Top with canned tuna and chopped onions, then top with mozzarella cheese to create a cheesy topping.
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves for added color and flavor.
Place the platter in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 25 mins or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Serve hot for optimal flavor, and enjoy!
Wrap Up on what to serve with tuna casserole.
There you have it, the best quick and amazing side dishes to serve with tuna casserole.
Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or rich and indulgent, there is a side dish on this list for everyone.
Just choose one, or a few, depending on your mood and the occasion, and watch as they take your tuna casserole to a whole new level. Happy cooking!
FAQs
How much tuna casserole per person?
Generally, a single serving of tuna casserole consists of about 1/2 cup of prepared dish.
To ensure everyone gets enough to eat, it is recommended that each person have at least 3/4 cup or more of tuna casserole.
If you are making a larger batch, consider using 4 ounces (or 1/2 cup) of tuna per person as a starting point for your recipe.
Additionally, be sure to complement the dish with plenty of vegetables and starch, such as pasta or potatoes, for a balanced meal.
What wine goes with tuna casserole?
When it comes to pairing wines with tuna casserole, some great options include a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
These light-bodied, acidic wines can help cut through the richness of the casserole and also match nicely with its various flavors.
If you prefer red wines, then opt for an elegant and food-friendly Pinot Noir.
This medium-bodied red will go well with the savory elements of the dish while also being light enough to not overpower it.
For dessert, try a Riesling or Gewürztraminer, both of which can provide sweetness to balance out the savory nature of the casserole.
What vegetable goes with tuna casserole?
Carrots are a great vegetable to pair with tuna casserole. Not only do they provide a sweet flavor and crunchy texture to contrast with the creaminess of the dish, but they are also packed with nutrients like vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
Carrots can be grated or chopped and added raw to the dish during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking.
Other vegetables that go well with tuna casserole include broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions – all of which can be sautéed in butter before adding them to the casserole.
