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What to Serve with Tuna Macaroni? 13 Side Dishes to Try

Are you looking for the perfect side dishes to complete your tuna macaroni meal?

Finding inspired accompaniments to an ever-popular dish can be a challenge, but we’ve done the work for you!

In this post, we will explore 13 of the best side dishes that pair wonderfully with tuna macaroni.

From classic veggie sides like steamed broccoli and sautéed carrots to unique ideas like Asian slaw and grilled pineapple salsa, there is something here to, not only satisfy everyone’s tastes, but to add flavor and flair to every meal.

Let’s get cooking!

What to Serve with Tuna Macaroni? 13 Side Dishes to Try

1. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Looking for a new pasta salad recipe to try out? This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to your next potluck or outdoor picnic.

Packed with flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.

The creamy sun-dried tomato dressing is what really makes this dish special.

It’s a great balance of tangy and sweet, and it complements the pasta perfectly.

The pasta itself is a nice contrast in texture, and the addition of chicken and Parmesan cheese give it a little bit of extra protein and flavor.

If you’re looking for ways to elevate this dish, consider adding in some additional vegetables like chopped bell peppers or diced cucumber.

You could also swap out the chicken for shrimp or salmon.

No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans

Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your tuna macaroni? Look no further than roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans.

This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

The Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, and the cranberries and pecans add the perfect amount of sweetness and crunch.

The dish is also relatively simple to make and can be easily elevated by adding a few extra ingredients.

  • Try roasting the Brussels sprouts in bacon fat for an extra flavorful kick.
  • Add a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar before serving for a touch of acidity.
  • Top with Parmesan cheese or goat cheese for extra cheesy goodness.

3. Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that is perfect for fall.

The butternut squash adds a sweetness to the dish, while the risotto rice gives it a rich, creamy texture.

This dish is also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy meal.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to try this fall, I highly recommend giving butternut squash risotto a try.

Here are a few tips to make sure your dish turns out perfectly:

  • Use fresh butternut squash for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh squash, you can use frozen, but thaw it before adding it to the dish.
  • Be sure to cook the risotto rice until it is al dente. This will ensure that it retains its firm texture and doesn’t turn mushy.
  • Add in some extra veggies for an added nutritional boost. I like to add spinach or kale right before serving.
  • Top with Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a delicious finishing touch.

4. Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty yet simple soup that is full of flavor.

The beans provide a creamy texture, while the kale and Parmesan give the soup a nice bite.

This soup is perfect for a winter day when you want something warm and comforting but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

One of the best things about this soup is that it is so versatile.

If you’re not a fan of kale, you can easily substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard.

And if you’re looking for a little more protein, you could add some cooked chicken or sausage to the soup.

5. Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

A classic Caesar salad is a thing of beauty: crisp romaine, creamy dressing, grated Parmesan, and crunchy croutons.

The key to a good Caesar salad is in the dressing: it should be rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of acidity to balance out the bitterness of the greens.

The croutons should be crispy and golden brown, adding a welcome contrast in texture to the salad.

To elevate this dish, I like to add a few extra ingredients to the dressing: a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor, a touch of Dijon mustard for a bit of heat, and a clove of garlic for a hint of sweetness.

I also add some additional seasonings to the croutons, such as smoked paprika or Italian herbs.

This simple dish can be easily transformed into an impressive starter or light main course.

6. Strawberry Spinach Salad With Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.

This salad is packed with flavor and texture, and it’s a good way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.

The poppyseed dressing adds a touch of sweetness, and the strawberries provide a juicy contrast.

One of the best things about this salad is that it’s so easy to make.

You can use frozen or fresh strawberries and either baby spinach or regular spinach.

The poppyseed dressing is also easy to find in most grocery stores.

If you want to elevate this dish, you can add some crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts.

7. Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

If you’re in the mood for a lighter meal, Cobb salad is always a solid choice.

This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients and can easily be made into a satisfying meal.

The key ingredients in a Cobb salad are typically chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, and cheese.

But of course, you can always add or remove ingredients to suit your taste.

One of the best things about Cobb salad is its versatility.

You can enjoy it as-is or dress it up with your favorite toppings and sauces.

If you’re looking for a little something extra, we suggest adding avocado ranch dressing to your salad.

The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the other ingredients and gives the dish an extra boost of flavor.

To make this dish even more filling, we recommend adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the lettuce for kale or spinach.

No matter how you make it, Cobb salad is sure to hit the spot.

8. Kale and Quinoa Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette

Looking for a light, healthy salad to serve as a side dish? Try this kale and quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette.

The salad is packed with nutrients and has a refreshing, bright flavor.

The taste and texture of the salad are unique and interesting.

The quinoa provides a hearty, nutty base, while the kale is slightly bitter and chewy.

The lemon vinaigrette ties everything together and gives the salad a tart, tangy flavor.

This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for something healthy and flavorful to serve as a side dish.

The salad is packed with nutrients and is relatively easy to make.

  • Add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
  • Try using different types of kale for different flavors and textures.
  • Swap out the quinoa for another grain, such as brown rice or farro.
  • Add in some dried fruit or fresh berries for sweetness.

9. Roasted Beet, Goat Cheese, and Arugula Salad

This roasted beet, goat cheese, and arugula salad is a great way to enjoy the earthy flavor of beets while still getting a healthy dose of greens.

The sweetness of the beets is complemented by the tangy goat cheese, while the peppery arugula rounds out the flavors.

This dish is also beautiful to look at, making it perfect for a dinner party or potluck.

When selecting beets for this recipe, look for ones that are firm and have a deep red color.

Avoid beets that are soft or have any bruising.

As for the goat cheese, choose a variety that is fresh and has a creamy texture.

Arugula can be found pre-washed in most grocery stores, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute spinach or kale.

To roast the beets, simply wrap them in foil and place them on a baking sheet.

Roast in a preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Allow the beets to cool slightly before removing the foil.

Once they are cooled, use your hands to rub off the skin.

It should come off easily.

Cut the beets into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

In a large bowl, combine the arugula, goat cheese, and beets.

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss everything together until evenly mixed.

Serve immediately.

10. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Toasted Almonds and Parmesan

This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic.

The salad is light and refreshing, with a slight bitterness from the Brussels sprouts that is offset by the sweetness of the raisins and the creaminess of the Parmesan cheese.

The toasted almonds add a nice crunch, and the whole dish comes together with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, this salad might just change your mind.

The key to making them palatable is to shave them thinly so that they lose their bitter edge.

When combined with other ingredients like sweet raisins, creamy Parmesan cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, they take on a whole new flavor profile that is incredibly delicious.

This recipe is also super easy to make ahead of time and can be served either cold or at room temperature.

I like to make it in the morning and then let it sit in the fridge until it’s time to serve.

This allows all of the flavors to meld together and makes for a really flavorful salad.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish, you could try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.

Or, for a vegetarian option, you could add some grilled tofu or tempeh.

Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for summertime eating.

11. Chopped Kale Salad with Cranberries, Almonds, and Feta Cheese

This chopped kale salad is a perfect side dish for any occasion.

It’s full of flavor and has a great mix of textures.

The kale is nice and crunchy, the cranberries are tart, and the almonds and feta add a great savory element.

Plus, the dressing ties everything together perfectly.

If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful salad, this is definitely the recipe for you.

Kale is packed with nutrients and is incredibly good for you.

Cranberries are also very healthy and full of antioxidants.

And almonds and feta are both great sources of protein.

This salad can be easily elevated by adding some grilled chicken or fish.

Or, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, some grilled tofu would be delicious as well.

12. Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, and Kalamata Olives

Looking for a new pasta salad to try? Why not give this orzo pasta salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives a try? This dish bursts with flavor and has a great mix of textures.

Plus, it’s perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.

One of the best things about this pasta salad is how versatile it is.

Don’t you like feta cheese? Swap it out for another type of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.

Have some extra veggies lying around that you need to use up? Throw them in.

This dish is also easy to make ahead of time, which is always a bonus.

  • Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main course.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
  • Swap out the orzo for another type of pasta, like shells or rotini.

13. Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This salad is the perfect side dish for any summertime meal.

The combination of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados with a balsamic vinaigrette is a match made in heaven.

The different textures and colors of the ingredients come together to create a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your guests.

The best part about this salad is that it is so easy to make.

Simply chop up the vegetables and mix them together with the balsamic vinaigrette.

If you want to Elevate the flavor of the dish, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken.

This salad can be served as is or on top of a bed of greens.

Conclusion

So there you have it, 13 amazing side dishes that go perfectly with tuna macaroni.

Tuna macaroni is such a versatile dish, and these side dishes will really help to elevate the flavors.

There’s something for everyone, so go ahead and try them all.

And don’t forget to let us know which ones you liked the best.

What to Serve with Tuna Macaroni? 13 Side Dishes to Try

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
  • 2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
  • 3. Butternut Squash Risotto
  • 4. Tuscan White Bean Soup
  • 5. Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
  • 6. Strawberry Spinach Salad With Poppyseed Dressing
  • 7. Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
  • 8. Kale and Quinoa Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 9. Roasted Beet Goat Cheese, and Arugula Salad
  • 10. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Toasted Almonds and Parmesan
  • 11. Chopped Kale Salad with Cranberries Almonds, and Feta Cheese
  • 12. Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes Feta Cheese, and Kalamata Olives
  • 13. Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!