Are you looking for something that goes well with a tuna sandwich? Tuna sandwiches are a quick, healthy, and filling lunchtime favorite. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, tuna offers a convenient option for a wholesome lunch. However, if you pair your tuna sandwich with the right side dishes, your meal can go from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are ten delectable side dishes to pair with your tuna sandwich. Table of Contents.
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with a refreshing Greek salad. The salty olives, creamy feta cheese, and crisp vegetables all go well with the tuna flavors, making for a great contrast of textures and tastes.
High in protein and calcium, cottage cheese provides a creamy and mild accompaniment to your tuna sandwich. Enhance its flavor by adding chopped red onions, chives, or even pineapple for a hint of sweetness.
Indulge in the classic pairing of tuna sandwiches with crispy French fries. You can enjoy a plate of golden fries seasoned with salt and vinegar with your sandwich, whether you’re working from home or having dinner.
Balance your meal with a refreshing fruit salad bursting with berries, oranges, melons, and grapes. To keep the fruits fresh and bright, squeeze in a little orange juice. This will also give your lunch a little sweetness.
The humble tuna sandwich is a lunchtime classic for good reason – it’s quick, budget-friendly, and easy to customize. But pairing your tuna with the right side dishes can take this sandwich from basic to beautiful. The key is choosing accompaniments that complement and enhance the flavors of the sandwich.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 sensational sides that go great with tuna sandwiches to create a balanced, crave-worthy meal. From crunchy vegetables to creamy coleslaws, let’s dive in!
1. Fresh Green Salad
A simple green salad is one of the healthiest and most versatile sides for tuna sandwiches. The crispy lettuce and vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the rich tuna salad.
Try a mix of
- Romaine, spinach, or spring mix greens
- Diced cucumbers and tomatoes
- Shredded carrots for crunch
- Sliced red onion or scallions
Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or your favorite dressing to tie it all together. The colors and flavors marry beautifully with a tuna sandwich for the perfect lunch.
2. Celery and Carrot Sticks
For an extra helping of crunch, celery and carrot sticks are a classic accompaniment. Their fresh, bright taste balances the savory tuna flavors.
Simply trim and cut the veggies into sticks or spears. Serve with ranch dressing or hummus for dipping, if desired.
You can also include sliced bell peppers, radishes, jicama, and other crisp raw vegetables to make a veggie platter. The variety of textures and flavors pairs wonderfully with a tuna sandwich.
3. Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is another excellent side to consider with tuna. The sweet and tangy slaw provides the perfect contrast to cut through the richness of the tuna salad.
To make your own quickly:
- Shred cabbage and carrots
- Whisk mayo, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings
- Toss the slaw with the dressing
Or speed things up by grabbing a tub of pre-made coleslaw from the grocery store. Either way, it’s a classic complement to tuna that always satisfies.
4. Pickles
For a hit of briny flavor and added crunch, various pickled vegetables like cucumbers, onions, and cauliflower also pair well with tuna sandwiches.
Try favorites like:
- Dill pickle chips
- Bread and butter pickles
- Sweet gherkins
- Tangy giardiniera
Not only do pickles taste great with tuna, but they can also help cut through and balance the dense fish flavors. Win-win!
5. Fresh Pepper Slices
Another crunchy, fresh veggie option is sliced bell peppers – red, yellow, orange or green. Their subtle sweetness and flavor work nicely with the tuna salad.
Simply slice peppers into long strips or small pieces to enjoy alongside the sandwich. For variety, use a mix of different colored peppers.
Pepper strips add vibrant color and a satisfying snap to complement the soft bread and protein-packed tuna filling.
6. Sweet Potato Chips
If you want to upgrade from regular potato chips, baked sweet potato chips are a fantastic choice with tuna sandwiches.
Sweet potato chips have a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory tuna salad flavors. The contrast of textures is also quite pleasant.
Whip up your own quickly by slicing sweet potatoes thinly, tossing with oil and spices, and baking until crisp. Or opt for a bag of ready-made sweet potato chips from the store. Either way, it’s a winning side dish.
7. Classic Potato Chips
You can’t go wrong with traditional potato chips either. They provide that signature salty crunch that just feels right alongside a tuna sandwich.
Opt for ripple or regular sliced potato chips – whichever variety you prefer. Serve them up in a bowl or grab a snack size bag.
Potato chips are simple but oh so satisfying with tuna. The combo is pure lunchtime perfection.
Elevate Your Tuna with Fresh Sides
Now that you’ve got inspiration for 7 crunchy, colorful sides, it’s time to build the perfect tuna sandwich meal. Mix and match your favorite accompaniments to create a well-balanced plate.
Aim for a variety of flavors, textures, colors and nutrients. For instance, potato chips, coleslaw and fresh peppers make a great combo. Or try a salad and dill pickles for crunch.
Whatever you choose, thoughtfully composed sides can transform an everyday tuna sandwich into an extraordinary lunch. So don’t settle for boring – kick things up a notch with these sensational sides instead! Your tastebuds will thank you.
Berries with Balsamic Vinegar
Explore a unique flavor combination by pairing sweet strawberries with tangy balsamic vinegar. When you mix sweetness and acidity, you get a harmonious mix that pleases the taste buds and gives your meal a gourmet touch.
Experience the timeless duo of soup and sandwich with a comforting bowl of tomato soup. You can dip grilled tuna sandwiches with cheese and red onions in the rich, savory broth, which makes every bite a warm and satisfying treat.
Add a satisfying crunch to your lunch with homemade onion rings. These crispy delights elevate the dining experience, offering a delightful contrast of textures alongside your tuna sandwich.
Classic Onion Rings
Embrace the goodness of sliced vegetables with a colorful assortment of crudites. Dip your favorite vegetables, like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or hummus, in pesto, tzatziki, or hummus for a healthy and refreshing side dish.
Delight in the Mediterranean flavors of olives, a quick and easy side dish for your tuna sandwich. Rich in antioxidants and bursting with flavor, olives add a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Savor the simplicity of potato crisps, a crunchy and satisfying snack that pairs effortlessly with your tuna sandwich. To finish off your meal, pick your favorite flavor, whether it’s salt and vinegar or something bold and sour.
Try some of my favorite tuna sandwich recipes:
No Mayo Tuna Sandwich
How To Make Tuna Salad | easy & delicious tuna salad recipe!
What to eat with tuna sandwich?
Soup and a sandwich is a famous lunchtime combination, and tomato soup is a quick and tasty choice to pair with tuna. I particularly enjoy adding some cheese and red onion to the sandwich, grilling it, and serving as a toastie. It’s oh so good for dipping! If you have time available to make your own soup, it’s always worth it.
Is tuna fish good for health?
1) Tuna is loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help in reducing cholesterol. 2) Tuna is rich in potassium which is known to reduce blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids in combination with potassium bring an anti inflammatory effect and promotes heart health. 3) Tuna is rich in various vitamins and minerals like manganese, zinc, vit C and selenium which help in strengthening immune system. They help in reducing free radicals and protect the body from cancers. 4) Vit B that is present in tuna helps in strengthening bones. 5) It improves skin health as it is rich in vitamin B complex.
What fruit goes well with tuna sandwiches?
Best Fruit to serve with Tuna Sandwiches: A chopped salad of crisp apple, juicy red berries, sharp orange, and sweet melon makes a lovely refreshing side dish for tuna sandwiches. If you are making your lunch in advance, squeeze over a little orange juice to stop your fruit from going brown.
Should you add a side dish to a tuna sandwich?
Adding a side dish to your tuna sandwich can help you get the most out of your meal by providing additional nutrients and flavors. When selecting side dishes for your tuna sandwich, it’s important to choose ones that will complement the main dish without overpowering it.