What To Serve With Tuna Pasta Salad? 15 BEST Side Dishes

MorTuna pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that can work as a main or a side dish. Its creamy, tangy flavors are so versatile, they could go with nearly anything. But if you want to create a meal that's truly special, there are a few side dishes that stand out.

Here are 15 tasty side dishes that bring out the best in tuna pasta salad and make your meal a well-rounded affair.

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The best side dishes to serve with tuna pasta salad are stuffed mushrooms, tostadas, gazpacho, potato wedges, gluten free bread, french fries, onion soup, avocado salad, shakshuka, hush puppies, Caesar salad, sweet corn and Breadsticks.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a bite-sized marvel, full of earthy and savory goodness. They can be filled with anything from cheese to herbs, offering a great contrast to the creamy texture of the tuna pasta salad. Their intense flavors will really pop when paired with the subtleness of the tuna.

2. Tostadas

Crispy tostadas can add that needed crunch to your meal. Whether they're plain or topped with a dash of cheese or salsa, tostadas offer a corny contrast to the rich, creamy tuna pasta salad. Their crunchiness balances the soft pasta and tuna chunks, making for a delightful mix of textures.

3. Gazpacho

For a lighter touch, a cold gazpacho can cleanse the palate. Its chilled, vegetable-packed bite offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy tuna pasta salad. The cool temperature and tangy flavor make it the perfect dish to eat between forkfuls of pasta.

4. Potato Wedges

These are a classic side dish that everyone loves. Their crispy outside and soft inside make them a textural delight. Plus, the saltiness from the wedges can contrast nicely with the creaminess of the tuna pasta salad, making each bite of your meal a multi-layered experience.

5. Gluten-Free Bread

For those avoiding gluten, a slice of gluten-free bread can still provide that satisfying crunch. Whether toasted or served soft, it complements the textures of the pasta salad. Plus, it's great for scooping up any leftover dressing at the bottom of the bowl.

6. French Fries

Sometimes you can't beat a classic. French fries bring their own iconic flavor and crispy texture that pairs effortlessly with the softer, creamier consistency of the tuna pasta salad. A little ketchup on the side, and you've got yourself a comfort food bonanza.

7. Onion Soup

A bowl of warm onion soup brings a different kind of richness to the table. The deep flavors of the caramelized onions and beef broth offer a warm, savory counter to the chilled, creamy tuna pasta salad. It's like a comforting hug in a bowl.

8. Avocado Salad

If you're looking for something fresh and green, an avocado salad is the answer. Its creamy texture and nutty flavors echo the creaminess of the tuna pasta salad, but its fresh greens add a dash of brightness that elevates the entire meal.

9. Shakshuka

A Middle Eastern classic, Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs in a simmering tomato sauce with spices and sometimes vegetables like bell peppers. This warm, saucy side adds a touch of exotic flair and a different kind of creaminess with its poached eggs. It's hearty yet not heavy, making it a unique yet complementary side for your tuna pasta salad.

10. Hush Puppies

These deep-fried cornmeal dough balls are the epitome of Southern comfort. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they're a treat to eat. Their sweetness and corn flavor offer a nice change of pace from the tuna pasta salad, almost like a built-in dessert that's still a side dish.

11. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad brings its own iconic flavors and textures that can enhance any meal. The creamy Caesar dressing and crisp romaine lettuce offer both a flavor and texture contrast to the tuna pasta salad. Plus, who can resist those croutons?

12. Sweet Corn

Whether you grill it, boil it, or steam it, sweet corn is a simple yet delicious side. Its sweetness and juiciness can break up the creamy richness of the tuna pasta salad, offering a straightforward but effective contrast in both flavor and texture.

13. Roasted Red Peppers

These offer a smoky, slightly sweet note that can cut through the creaminess of the tuna pasta salad. Roasted red peppers are versatile; they can be served warm or at room temperature, adding both color and flavor to your meal.

14. Breadsticks

Sometimes you just need some good old carbs, and breadsticks are here for that. Warm, soft, and often garlicky, they make an excellent side to virtually any dish, including tuna pasta salad.

15. Pesto Pasta

For a double pasta experience, try a small side of pesto pasta. The herby, nutty flavors of the pesto offer a contrast to the creamy, tangy flavors in the tuna pasta salad. It's a side dish that speaks the same language but with a different accent.

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