Tuna salad is a classic dish that is easy to prepare and versatile enough to fit any occasion. It is an ideal lunchtime favorite that can be enjoyed year-round.
However, sometimes it can be challenging to decide what to serve with tuna salad to complete the meal.
Are you tired of serving the same sides with your tuna salad every time? If so, you’re in luck!
That’s where a few carefully selected side dishes come in! In this post, we are going to explore some amazing dishes that pair perfectly with tuna salad, making it a meal to remember.
Whether you arrange for your shelf or for your dear one, these sides, along with your tuna salad, will surely make your day.
So, let’s dig into some delicious dishes that will charm your taste buds and make your simple tuna salad meal unforgettable.
What is tuna salad? What does tuna salad taste like?
Tuna salad is a salad typically made with chunks of canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery and onion.
It can also include chopped hard-boiled eggs or olives. Tuna salad has a creamy texture and mild flavor with salty notes from the tuna.
The addition of herbs like dill can add extra flavor to the dish.
Other ingredients such as pickles, capers, jalapenos or chilis can be added to give it more of a kick. It makes for a great sandwich filling!
It can also be served as a side dish or served on top of crackers for a light snack.
Tuna salad is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Try adding different herbs, spices, cheeses, fruits or vegetables for unique flavors and textures.
For an extra boost of nutrition, try incorporating legumes such as chickpeas or white beans for added fiber and protein.
For a lighter version, you can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and add some lemon juice for bright flavor notes.
The possibilities are endless! Make tuna salad yours by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors until you find the perfect combination that’s sure to please. Bon appétit!
18 Best Sides to serve with tuna salad
1. Fresh Fruit Salad
Pair your tuna salad with a beautiful fruit salad that adds color and flavor to your plate.
You can combine a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, and honeydew, for a refreshing bite.
2. Grilled Vegetables
Nothing beats a healthy grilled vegetable. Toss some asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers with slightly olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you’ll have an excellent side dish to complement your tuna salad.
3. Caprese Salad
The classic Italian combination of mozzarella, basil, and tomato adds a burst of freshness and flavor to any meal.
A caprese salad can be the perfect accompaniment to a delicious tuna salad.
Discover More: Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
4. Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
You can’t go wrong with a serving of crispy sweet potato fries.
Slice up some sweet potatoes, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika and salt, then roast them in the oven to perfection.
5. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is an exceptional source of protein and a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Mix quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and some red onions, and you’ll have a hearty and filling side dish.
6. Greek Salad
A Greek salad is a classic that never gets old. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese with simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing, and you have a perfect side for your tuna salad.
7. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a great option for those who love to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Toast some whole grain bread and spread mashed avocado with a bit of pinch of salt and pepper on top. You can also include feta or goat cheese for an extra punch of flavor.
8. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is an ideal classic side dish that you can opt for. A creamy texture to your meal.
You can prepare a classic coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a mayonnaise-based dressing or switch things up by adding some red or green apples.
9. Steamed Edamame
Edamame is a perfectly tasty and healthy snack that pairs perfectly with tuna salad.
Cook some edamame in boiling water for a few minutes and sprinkle some sea salt or chili flakes on top for an extra burst of flavor.
10. Roasted Beet Salad
If you’re looking for a unique side dish, roasted beet salad is ideal.
Slice up some roasted beets, mix them with goat cheese and arugula, and drizzle with a balsamic vinegar dressing.
11. Roasted Garlic Bread
This is a great accompaniment to most salads, but the roasted garlic bread brings a rich flavor to your tuna salad that will make your taste buds sing.
Cut up some rustic sourdough bread and roast it with fresh garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese for maximum oomph.
12. Caesar Salad
Tuna salad and Caesar salad are a match made in heaven. The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing complement the tuna perfectly, adding texture and depth to your meal.
Explore More: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Caesar Salad
13. Buttered New Potatoes
If you’re looking for a more substantial side dish, try pairing your tuna salad with buttered new potatoes.
They are simple to prepare but add just the right amount of carbohydrates to the meal.
14. Pickled Vegetables
Adding a small but impactful amount of pickled vegetables can give your tuna salad that pop of acidity it sometimes needs.
We suggest picking some carrots, beets, and even onions for a tangy punch.
15. Tomato Salad
Tuna and tomato salad is another classic combination. These small tomatoes are a perfect companion to the freshness of your tuna salad.
Slice them up and drizzle with some vinaigrette for a touch of acidity.
16. Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread has a tangy taste that balances the oiliness of your tuna salad perfectly. Serve toasted slices with a dollop of butter for a great crusty addition.
17. Cucumber Salad
Sometimes, all you need is a light, refreshing side dish to go with your tuna salad to counterbalance the richness of the meal.
Try slicing cucumbers thinly and tossing them with a splash of vinaigrette, dill, and mint for some added flavor.
18. Grilled Corn
Finally, fresh grilled corn is another great side dish that goes well with most salads.
The addition of grilled corn elevates the texture and flavor of your tuna salad, making it a delicious meal to savor.
Find Out More: Best Side Dishes to Serve with Corn on the Cob
What are the best flavors to go with tuna salad?
Tuna salad is a classic, versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
One of the best flavors to go with tuna salad is a light, zesty lemon dressing. The zing of the citrus will bring out the flavor of the tuna while adding a refreshing brightness to the dish.
Another great flavor to enhance tuna salad is a tangy, creamy dill dressing.
The slight bitterness of the dill will contrast nicely against the sweetness of mayonnaise-based dressings, creating an interesting balance that will give your tuna salad an added depth of flavor.
Additionally, capers are another excellent addition to give your tuna salad an extra level of flavor and texture. They provide just enough saltiness and brininess to really make your dish shine.
Finally, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are a great way to add a touch of freshness to your tuna salad and make it stand out from other dishes on your table.
Learn More: A Taste of Italy: Unveiling the Power of Italian Inspired Salads Must Serve
How do you jazz up tuna salad?
To jazz up tuna salad, try adding in chopped celery and onion for crunch, a handful of raisins for sweetness, some diced apples for tartness or even a few spoonfuls of sliced olives to add an umami flavor.
You can also mix in different spices like garlic powder, dill weed or curry powder to give the tuna salad more depth.
For an extra kick, include a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle on some chili flakes.
Lastly, you could liven up the dish by folding in creamy mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or swapping out regular mayo for one with flavorful herbs added in, like cilantro and basil.
How do you display tuna salad on a platter?
To display tuna salad on a platter, begin by cutting up several ingredients such as celery, red onion, and bell pepper.
Start by dicing the vegetables into small pieces and place them around the edges of the platter.
Then, mix together canned chunk light tuna in water, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
Put the salad in the center of the platter, and use a spoon or spatula to spread it out evenly.
Finally, decorate the platter with additional diced vegetables or chopped herbs to give it more visual appeal.
Additionally, you can use slices of cucumber or radish as a garnish for even more texture and flavor!
Wrap Up on what to serve with tuna salad.
Tuna Salad is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and with a few sides, it can be an extraordinary dish.
These side dishes are just a few examples of how you can make your tuna salad exceptional. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, healthy or indulgent, there is a side dish on this list that you’ll love.
Try them out, mix and match, and create your unique tuna salad experience. Happy eating!
FAQs
How much tuna salad per person?
On average, a serving of tuna salad contains about 2 ounces of tuna.
Therefore, if you are planning to serve it as a main dish, the general recommendation is about 4-6 ounces of tuna per person. This amount will provide enough protein and nutrition for an adult’s meal.
Additionally, you may want to add in other ingredients such as onion, celery, yogurt or mayonnaise for added flavor and texture.
When making tuna salad, it is important to purchase fresh tuna that has been properly handled and stored to ensure quality and safety.
What to serve with tuna pasta salad?
Tuna pasta salad pairs well with a variety of sides, depending on personal preference.
Some options include garlic bread, a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
For a more substantial meal, serve the tuna pasta alongside grilled turkey burgers or fish tacos.
To complete the meal and add some sweetness, opt for a refreshing fruit salad or sorbet.
What vegetable goes with tuna salad?
Tuna Salad is a classic dish that pairs well with many different vegetables.
Fresh cucumber, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes can be added for a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
Radishes add a nice spicy kick to the salad, while bell peppers provide a mild sweetness.
You can also top the salad with shredded carrots or sliced avocado for an extra bit of color and nutrition.
To make the salad even more nutritious, try adding some cooked green beans or roasted broccoli florets.
Finally, for added flavor and texture, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.
What to serve with cold tuna salad?
Cold tuna salad can be served with a variety of sides, ranging from simple accompaniments to more elaborate dishes.
Some popular options include fresh fruits or vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, apples or celery; a side of mixed greens or spinach; croutons and light dressings; crackers topped with cheese; and crunchy roasted nuts.
Additionally, grains like quinoa or farro provide a nice contrast in texture while providing some additional nutrition.
For more heartiness, try pairing the cold tuna salad with boiled potatoes or cooked rice.
Finally, for something unique and flavorful, consider adding dried cranberries and diced apples for a sweet and tart finish.
Whichever sides you choose to serve, cold tuna salad is sure to be a hit!
What meat goes with tuna salad?
Tuna salad is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of meats to create a delicious and filling meal.
Grilled chicken, steak, or ground beef are all great options for pairing with tuna salad.
For an added crunch, consider topping the dish with crispy bacon bits.
If you’re looking for something lighter, tuna salad can also be served on top of a bed of lettuce and complemented with grilled shrimp or pan-seared scallops.
For those seeking an even more exciting flavor combination, try topping your tuna salad with warm pulled pork or adding it to a turkey burger patty.
Whatever meat you choose to pair with your tuna salad, it’s sure to be a tasty meal!
fruit that goes with tuna
1. Avocados
Avocados are a great addition to a tuna salad, offering a creamy texture and a healthy dose of essential vitamins and minerals.
Not only that, but the monounsaturated fat found in avocados can help to improve heart health, while its high fiber content helps to keep digestion regular.
2. Tomatoes
The juicy sweetness of tomatoes helps to balance out the richness of tuna, and they bring along plenty of antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Tomatoes also have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for overall health.
3. Apples
Apples are an ideal complement to tuna salads because their crunchy texture adds contrast to each bite.
Additionally, apples are packed with vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber—all important components of any balanced diet.
4. Oranges
Oranges lend an unexpected zing to tuna salads when peeled and cut into wedges or cubes.
They’re also excellent sources of potassium, which is important for regulating blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy.
Plus, oranges contain plenty of vitamin C, which can help support your immune system.
5. Olives
Olives offer an intensely flavorful addition to any type of tuna salad; they’re also rich in antioxidants like polyphenols which can help protect against certain diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
In addition, olives contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help reduce cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
