You've got a bubbling pan of creamy tuna noodle casserole coming out of the oven-yum! But now comes the big question: what goes with tuna casserole? Don't worry, I've rounded up the Best Sides for Tuna Noodle Casserole, from crisp salads and buttery rolls to easy veggies and quick desserts.
We got you covered! Here are the best tuna casserole side dishes-from bread and veggies to fun side salads and more!
Jump to:
- What sides go well with Tuna Casserole
- Delicious bread, rolls, and breadsticks
- Fresh salad ideas for tuna casserole
- Easy vegetable side dishes
- Desserts that go well with Tuna Casserole
- What side dishes don't go with tuna casserole
- Crockpot Tuna Casserole
- Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Stovetop Tuna Casserole
- Wrapping it up
What sides go well with Tuna Casserole
An easy tuna casserole recipe shouldn't be complicated with tricky side dishes. Rather, dinner time should be as simple as possible, while still tasting delicious.
Growing up, Mom always served it with a big green salad and soft buttered rolls or a slice of garlic bread. To this day, it's my go-to combo for comfort food nights!
So, don't stress about what to make alongside your favorite classic comfort food! Let's talk about the best side dishes to serve with tuna casserole. We'll have a complete meal in just minutes!
Delicious bread, rolls, and breadsticks
There is potentially no better side dish to serve with a tuna noodle casserole recipe than fresh bread, rolls, or breadsticks. Plus, it's a great way to scoop the creamy sauce right out of the bottom of the casserole dish! 😋
- Air-fryer garlic bread
- Baguette slices toasted with olive oil
- Butter and herb-brushed breadsticks
- Cheddar cheese biscuits
- Crostini
- Fresh baked rolls from frozen bread dough
- Garlic bread in the oven
- Garlic knots
- Potato chips (might sound odd, but trust us on this one! Yum!)
- Yeast rolls for beginners with all-purpose flour
Fresh salad ideas for tuna casserole
The classic American dish, tuna noodle casserole, is often known for its deliciously cheesy sauce.
For that reason, a crisp, simple salad is the perfect complement to a rich, heavy main dish. Serve these salads the next time you make tuna noodle casserole and enjoy!
- Bibb lettuce salad
- Bitter greens salad
- Italian side salad with fresh-cut herbs
- Kale salad
- Mayo-free Greek salad with cucumber and bell peppers
- Shaved brussels sprouts salad with lemon juice vinaigrette
- Wedge salad
- Caesar salad
Easy vegetable side dishes
Though most tuna fish casserole recipes include some sort of vegetable, with all the cooked pasta and cheese, a little extra veggies on the side never hurt anyone!
Against the creamy casserole, fresh vegetables make a really good side dish. Here are some vegetable sides dishes to serve with tuna casserole.
- Air-fried crispy brussels sprouts
- Baked brussels sprouts
- Carrots with glaze
- Green beans
- Roasted Broccoli with Zucchini
- Grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus
- Pan-roasted mixed vegetables in butter sauce
- Roasted squash with parmesan cheese and herbs
- Steamed spinach
- Steamed brussels sprouts
- Swiss chard braised with garlic
Desserts that go well with Tuna Casserole
While dessert isn't technically a side dish, sweets complete a meal! Don't serve tuna casserole without one of these delicious desserts.
- Apple spice bundt cake
- Banana bread
- Classic chocolate chip cookies
- Peanut butter blossoms
- Pecan Sandies
- Pumpkin bread with chocolate chips
- Lemon Meringue Jello Pie
What side dishes don't go with tuna casserole
When serving a creamy main course, there are a few things to avoid. Here are some sides that don't pair as well with a fresh or leftover tuna casserole, so serve them with another dinner, instead.
- Heavy casserole sides. If it's made in a baking dish and cooked with heavy cream, sour cream, or a can of cream of mushroom soup, for example, it'll make dinner as a whole too heavy.
- Cold tuna salad. It's too similar to a classic tuna casserole so you'll feel as if you're eating the same thing twice.
- Pasta-based recipes. Elbow macaroni salad and other regular pasta sides will make you feel overloaded with noodles.
Crockpot Tuna Casserole
I love these classic recipes that bring all the flavor and are pure comfort food!
Like this recipe for Crockpot Tuna Casserole. It's filled with tender egg noodles, and albacore tuna in a creamy, rich sauce. This dish is true comfort food and is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck!
Why not let your slow cooker do all the work for you?!!
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Now that you have an easy dinner planned, it's time to cook! Enjoy this Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole.
The recipe has easy steps and is baked until steaming hot and creamy inside, with al dente wide egg noodles. Then, it's broiled to a golden brown finish, with a crisp, crunchy layer on top.
The cheesy combination of tender noodles with chunk light tuna, mushrooms, and sweet peas is a classic dish that pleases the whole family every time!
And if you have leftovers... (you all know how much I love leftovers!) learn how to freeze Tuna Noodle Casserole here!
Stovetop Tuna Casserole
Creamy cheesy this is like the easy Hamburger Helper version, but a ton better! The flavors are rich and hearty and it couldn't be easier to make. Stovetop Tuna Casserole is a great weeknight meal!
Wrapping it up
Whether you stick with buttery rolls or toss together a crisp Caesar salad, these sides make tuna casserole night extra satisfying.
Which one are you trying first? Don't forget to grab my Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe-it's the ultimate comfort meal!
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