15 Perfect and Amazing Dishes to Serve with Tuna Pasta Salad

Are you tired of plain and boring side dishes to serve with your tuna pasta salad? Well, you are in luck! 

Tuna pasta salad is an ideal classic dish that’s absolutely for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It’s also absolutely easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. 

But what to serve with tuna pasta salad to make it a complete meal? 

In this blog post, we have rounded up some quick and amazing side dishes to elevate your tuna pasta salad to a whole new level of deliciousness. 

Whether you’re looking for some new ideas or just need some inspiration, these amazing dishes with tuna pasta salad are sure to please.

From classic options to unique pairings, we have got you covered. So, let’s get started!

What is tuna pasta salad? What does tuna pasta salad taste like?

Tuna pasta salad is a delicious and classic dish. It consists of cooked pasta tossed with canned tuna, mayonnaise, and vegetables such as celery, onions, peppers, and olives. 

This dish can be served hot or cold and makes for a great lunch or side dish option.

When it comes to flavor, tuna pasta salad is full of savory goodness. The combination of tuna, mayonnaise dressing, and chopped vegetables provides a flavorful mixture that has something for everyone to enjoy. 

The mayonnaise adds creaminess, while the diced vegetables provide a crunchy texture to the dish. 

The canned tuna also adds a hint of saltiness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. All in all, it’s a mouth-watering mix that’s sure to please any palette!

Best Sides to Seve with Tuna Pasta Salad

1. Garlic Bread

One of the classic and easy sides to serve with tuna pasta salad is garlic bread. It is excellent for soaking up the pasta salad dressing and complements the tuna flavor perfectly. 

Best of all, you can make garlic bread in under 10 minutes using store-bought bread and garlic butter.

Discover More: 15 Perfect and Amazing Dishes to Serve with Garlic Bread

2. Grilled Asparagus

If you want to add some greens to your meal, then grilled asparagus is the go-to choice. 

The charred flavor from the grill adds an extra smokiness to the dish, and the crunch complements the salad’s texture. 

Mizzle some olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for an even better taste.

3. Caprese Salad

For a refreshing and light side dish, a Caprese salad is perfect. 

It combines sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil with balsamic dressing. The mixture adds a fresh sweetness to the tangy tuna pasta salad.

4. Creamy Avocado Salad

Avocado is an excellent pairing with tuna, and a creamy avocado salad is a great way to get your dose of healthy fats. 

Combine diced avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a Greek yogurt dressing for a refreshing and nutritious side dish.

5. Caesar Salad

Another classic side dish that pairs well with tuna pasta salad is a Caesar salad. 

The crunchy lettuce and the creamy Caesar dressing complement the flavors of the tuna without overpowering it.

Find Out More: 10 Quick and Amazing Dishes to Serve with Chicken Caesar Salad

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are ideally an excellent way to add color and nutrients to your meal. 

Slice the bell peppers in half, stuff with cooked quinoa, black beans, and cheese, and bake until tender. It is a satisfying and flavorful side dish that completes your meal.

7. Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Want a side dish that is easy to make and delicious? Try tomato and cucumber salad. 

All you need is diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese. Mix everything together and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is an ideal, perfect summer side dish. It is sweet smoky, and complements the flavors of the tuna pasta salad well. 

Brush gently with melted butter and season with salt and pepper for an even better taste.

9. Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a perfect appetizer or side dish that pairs well with tuna pasta salad. 

Toast sliced bread top with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar for a mouth-watering snack.

10. Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a great way to sneak in some more veggies to your meal. 

It is a satisfying and healthy side dish that complements the tangy flavors of the pasta salad well. Mizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before roasting in the oven.

11. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are an ideal way to add some additional flavor and nutrition to your meal. 

Try roasting some broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a colorful and delicious side dish.

12. Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Garlic-roasted potatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for serving with tuna pasta salad. 

Just toss some potatoes with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil and roast in the oven until crispy and golden brown.

13. Spinach Salad

Spinach salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with tuna pasta salad. 

Try making a simple spinach salad with sliced almonds, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

14. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is an ideal refreshing and healthy side dish that’s perfect for serving with tuna pasta salad. 

Try making a simple fruit salad with sliced apples, grapes, and strawberries for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Main course to eat with tuna pasta salad

One of the best main courses to pair with tuna pasta salad is a grilled fish dish. 

Grilled fish is a great option because it pairs well with the fresh flavor of the tuna and can be seasoned in many different ways to achieve a variety of flavors. 

Additionally, grilling fish adds a nice smoky flavor, which compliments the creamy texture of the pasta salad. 

For example, you could opt for a Mediterranean-inspired dish and marinate your fish in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and parsley before grilling. 

This will give your dinner an inviting aroma along with hints of tartness that contrast perfectly with the richness of the tuna pasta salad. 

Alternatively, you could go for something more exotic and combine flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil together for a delicious marinade before grilling. 

Regardless of which recipe you follow, grilled fish will be sure to bring out all the flavors of your tuna pasta salad while providing you and your guests with a unique main course experience.

Appetizers to serve with tuna pasta salad

1. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Grilled Veggie Skewers are colorful skewers that make a great appetizer when served with tuna pasta salad. 

Vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions, bell peppers, and zucchini can be threaded onto metal or wooden skewers and grilled until tender and lightly charred. 

Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce made from yogurt and fresh herbs for a delicious flavor combination.

2. Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a classic Italian appetizer made from slices of fresh mozzarella cheese interspersed with ripe tomatoes and basil leaves, all drizzled in olive oil or balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with sea salt. 

The salty-sweet pairing of the dish complements the lightness of the tuna pasta salad perfectly.

3. Marinated Olives

Olives are a great snack to serve alongside your tuna pasta salad! Choose from various types of olives such as kalamata, green Castelvetrano, black Nicoise, or even a mix if desired. 

Then marinate them in garlic cloves, herbs like rosemary or thyme, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil for an extra flavorful kick!

4. Bruschetta with Pesto

Toast thick slices of crusty bread, then top them with basil pesto, halved cherry tomatoes soaked in balsamic vinegar for an hour or two before serving to enhance their flavor, plus freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistible bite! 

The tanginess of the tomato pairs deliciously with the tuna pasta salad’s creamy richness.

5. Prosciutto Wrapped Melon

Wrap sweet slices of melon, such as cantaloupe or honeydew, in thinly sliced prosciutto for an impressive appetizer that takes just minutes to put together! 

Not only does it look fancy, but the sweet melon paired with salty prosciutto really enhances the flavors of your tuna pasta salad dish, too!

6. Garlic & Herb Deviled Eggs

Make your deviled eggs even more delicious by adding garlic powder and herbs like dill into the egg yolk mixture before filling each egg white half back up again – you won’t be disappointed! 

The garlic adds an additional depth of flavor, which pairs wonderfully well with the creaminess of your tuna pasta salad entrée dish.

Try Out More: 17 Perfect and Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Serve with Deviled Eggs

7. Crab Cakes Sliders

Pan-fried crab cake sliders are always popular at parties – serve these mini bites on toasted Hawaiian rolls and top them off with butter lettuce leaves plus homemade tartar sauce for maximum impact! 

Their light texture makes them a great accompaniment to any hearty meal, like your tuna pasta salad dish.

What else is served with tuna pasta salad

Drinks to pair with tuna pasta salad

1. Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine that is a great option for pairing with tuna pasta salad. 

It has a hint of citrus and apple flavors that balance the flavor of the tuna, while its crispness helps to cut through some of the heavier flavors in the dish.

2. Sauvignon Blanc

Another light-bodied white wine, this one has a grassy flavor that goes well with lighter flavors like those found in tuna pasta salad. 

Its acidic nature helps to enhance the dish’s freshness while adding complexity to its taste.

3. Rose

A slightly sweeter red rose pairs well with both the acidity and spice found in tuna pasta salad. 

The sweetness can help to mellow out some of the spicier ingredients in the dish while still providing an enjoyable flavor experience.

4. White Sangria

A fruity twist on a classic drink, white sangria offers an ideal way to add a bit of sweetness to your tuna pasta salad without overpowering it. 

The mix of sweet fruits and tart citrus juices provides plenty of balance and contrast for this popular dish.

5. Iced Tea

Refreshingly icy, iced tea provides a perfect way to cool down after enjoying your spicy tuna pasta salad without sacrificing flavor or complexity. 

Its bold yet subtle flavor pairs perfectly with this Mediterranean favorite while helping to cleanse the palate between each bite.

6. Fruit Punch

If you’re looking for something even more exciting than iced tea, why not try fruit punch? 

This fun punch can be made from any combination of juices and other ingredients you’d like, allowing you to customize it specifically for your tuna pasta salad needs!

7. Ginger Ale

If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic that will still provide plenty of flavor contrast for your tuna pasta salad, ginger ale is an excellent choice! 

With its spicy notes and bubbly texture, it adds zip and zest that help bring out different elements in this delicious dish without overpowering them.

Desserts to go with tuna pasta salad

1. Fruit Sorbet

Fruit Sorbet is a light and refreshing dessert that is the perfect accompaniment to tuna pasta salad. 

It’s made from fruit juice or purée, as well as sugar, water, and sometimes a touch of alcohol or liqueur. 

It has a silky texture and comes in a variety of flavors, such as mango, raspberry, lemon, and passionfruit.

2. Coconut Macaroons

Made from coconut, egg whites, and sugar, these chewy cookies are an indulgent way to end a meal featuring tuna pasta salad. 

They come in various shapes and sizes, with variations made with dark chocolate chips or different flavorings such as almond or vanilla extract.

3. Meringue Pie

Light yet satisfyingly sweet meringue pie makes for an excellent dessert to be served alongside tuna pasta salad. 

The combination of cooked egg whites and sugar creates an airy texture that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the pasta dish below it. (Recipe)

Fillings can range from traditional fruit like strawberry or raspberry to modern flavors like salted caramel or chocolate mousse.

4. Tiramisu

Tiramisu is an Italian classic made with alternating layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone custard topped with cocoa powder for garnish. 

It’s a luxurious finish that rustles up sugar cravings without being overly heavy – ideal for indulging in a comforting bowl of tuna pasta salad!

5. Pavlova

Pavlova is a beautiful dessert that is traditionally made by topping crispy meringue rounds with whipped cream and colorful fruits like kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for decoration. (Recipe)

It’s become increasingly popular over the years due to its lightness yet sweetness that complements heavier dishes such as tuna pasta salad nicely without overwhelming them.

What are the best flavors to go with tuna pasta salad?

Tuna pasta salad can be complemented with a variety of flavors. A classic combination is to add dill, celery, and red onion for a refreshing taste. 

Another tasty option is to combine tuna with lemon juice, parsley, garlic, and black pepper. 

For a bit of sweetness, try incorporating diced apples or raisins into the mix. You can also consider incorporating other ingredients, such as capers or olives, for a salty twist on the dish. 

Finally, herbs like basil and oregano are great for enhancing flavor and adding depth to your tuna pasta salad.

How do you jazz up tuna pasta salad?

One way to jazz up tuna pasta salad is to add fresh or pickled vegetables, like olives, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and celery. 

You can also mix in a variety of herbs and spices like oregano, garlic powder, lemon juice, and capers for added flavor. 

Adding crunchy croutons or cooked bacon bits adds texture, while using cream cheese or sour cream makes the dish rich and creamy. 

You can also throw in some chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. 

Finally, top off your creation with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for additional zing!

Discover More: What to Serve with Tuna Salad – 18 Dishes You’ll Love

How do you display tuna pasta salad on a platter?

To display tuna pasta salad on a platter, begin by arranging the cooked pasta on the platter in a wide circle. 

Flake the tuna over the top of the pasta and scatter cubes of cheese evenly around it. Sprinkle fresh herbs such as basil or parsley over the top to add flavor and color. 

Then, drizzle olive oil or a creamy dressing over the salad and finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. 

Finally, garnish with tomatoes, olives, avocado, cucumbers, or any other favorite toppings. Arrange everything in an attractive pattern for presentation before serving.

Wrap Up on what to serve with tuna pasta salad.

In this blog post, we have shared some quick and amazing side dishes to serve with tuna pasta salad. 

From classic options to unique pairings, these side dishes add flavor, color, and nutrients to your meal. 

So, the next time you make tuna pasta salad, try one of these side dishes to elevate your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!

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