We’re talking tuna macaroni, folks—our go-to meal that hits the spot every single time. Seriously, this dish is the ultimate comfort food, right?
Now, the real question is, what are the perfect sides that elevate this beloved classic to a whole new level of goodness?
Don’t worry, we have you covered. Whether it’s crunchy, spicy, or a bit tangy, we’ve tried it all. We’ve spent countless dinners trying different things, and now we’re sharing our tried-and-true favorites.
Join us as we dish out the best sidekicks for our favorite tuna mac concoction.

Top 13 Side Dishes for Tuna Macaroni
Here are our top picks for what to serve with your delicious tuna macaroni:
Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
Garlic Bread | Bread, garlic, butter | Garlicky, buttery | Easy | 15 mins |
Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus | Asparagus, bacon | Smoky, crispy | Medium | 25 mins |
Roasted Red Pepper Soup | Red peppers, cream, garlic | Creamy, tangy | Medium | 30 mins |
Greek Salad with Feta | Cucumber, tomatoes, feta, olives | Fresh, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
Buttery Green Beans Almondine | Green beans, almonds, butter | Buttery, nutty | Easy | 20 mins |
Baked Parmesan Zucchini | Zucchini, Parmesan, olive oil | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 25 mins |
Tomato Basil Bruschetta | Tomatoes, basil, bread, olive oil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
Cucumber and Dill Salad | Cucumber, dill, vinegar | Fresh, crisp | Easy | 10 mins |
Honey Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, butter | Sweet, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
Grilled Chicken Skewers | Chicken, bell peppers, olive oil | Smoky, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
Lemon Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, lemon, olive oil | Zesty, savory | Easy | 35 mins |
Caesar Salad with Croutons | Romaine, Parmesan, croutons | Crunchy, cheesy | Easy | 15 mins |
Cornbread Muffins | Cornmeal, butter, sugar | Sweet, buttery | Medium | 30 mins |
These side dishes complement the creamy and savory nature of tuna macaroni, offering a balance of fresh, tangy, and crispy elements to enhance the meal.
1 – Garlic Bread
Who’s up for some garlic bread? We can’t think of a side dish more classic and universally approved. Crusty outside, soft inside—it’s got it all. Spread with butter, a hint of garlic, serve it warm. Game on for a cozy meal.
Garlic bread doesn’t just sit pretty next to tuna macaroni, it enhances it! It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Forget fancy stuff, sometimes we just need simple and satisfying. Our kind of sidekick!
2 – Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus—our sort of veggie makeover! This side dish brings out the crunchiest, juiciest vibe.
Wrap those spears in bacon and watch them vanish faster than you can say, “save me some.” It’s all about the crispy bite with these bad boys.
Simple seasoning does the job here. We like them roasty-toasty for that unbeatable taste. Quick to prep, quicker to disappear—good luck saving leftovers.
Our guilty pleasure? Dipping them in ranch.
3 – Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Roasted Red Pepper Soup has a vibe all its own, and we dig it. It’s got that bold, smoky flavor that hits just right. We blend those peppers to creamy perfection, adding some onions and garlic to keep things interesting.
Serving it warm is just our style. A dash of cream adds richness. Sipping it feels like a hug. We sprinkle a bit of fresh basil, bringing a herbal twist. There’s nothing quite like dipping crusty bread right into it.
4 – Greek Salad with Feta
Crunchy veggies meet tangy feta. We adore the cucumber’s fresh vibe, and the tomato’s juicy note. Feta adds a salty hit, tying everything together.
Olives bring that distinct briny kick. A splash of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon—holy moly, flavor boost! With a sprinkle of oregano, you’ve got a party.
We suggest serving this salad chilled. It’s a colorful burst on your plate! Simple, satisfying, and seriously tasty. Feels just like summer in a bowl.
5 – Buttery Green Beans Almondine
Who likes a classic French touch with dinner? Buttery Green Beans Almondine hits the mark. We sauté green beans until tender but still crisp.
Toasted almonds add texture. The nutty aroma fills the kitchen. Butter ties it all together.
A squeeze of lemon brings a bit of zing. Salt enhances the taste further.
Enjoy them warm. They’re a side that satisfies, no fuss. Try them and experience a simple dish that impresses.
6 – Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Who says veggies can’t be fun? We roast zucchini for that delightful char. Parmesan adds cheesy snappiness. Quick to prep, perfect for snapping up with dinner.
No need for gourmet skills. Slice, season, and roast! Zucchini goes crispy delicious. A trusty dish that sneaks in veggies with flair. Sprinkle extra parm for bolder bites. A side that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Want a twist? Try dipping in marinara. Pops of flavor with ease.
7 – Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Tomato basil bruschetta is crispy, tangy, and fresh. Toasty bread topped with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. It’s versatile and quick. All it takes is a drizzle of olive oil, a hint of balsamic, and you’ve got flavor magic.
We enjoy the crunch and the burst of freshness. It’s a classic for a reason. Pairs well with so many mains, especially pasta or grilled meat. Great for gatherings, easy on prep. Hard to resist, always a hit.
8 – Cucumber and Dill Salad
Our go-to for a breezy side: cucumber and dill salad. Cool, crisp cucumbers meet fragrant dill. A simple combo to whip up.
Mix with a splash of vinegar. Keeps it zesty and light. We relish the balance it brings to heavier dishes.
Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Enhances flavors beautifully. We toss it all together quickly.
Great for hot days. Chilled salads refresh our palate. Love the crunch. Dill, the star here, works magic.
9 – Honey Glazed Carrots
Who knew carrots could spice up dinner? We glaze carrots in honey. They caramelize beautifully in the oven, giving a sweet and savory taste.
Roast until tender with a touch of cinnamon. Toss some herbs in there too. Nutmeg works wonders, giving a warm hit.
Serve them straight from the oven while they’re still warm. These stick to ribs. A touch of butter finishes them off nicely, tying the flavors together.
Carrots shine when seasoned right. We swear by this simple combo.
10 – Grilled Chicken Skewers
We totally get it; sometimes veggies just don’t cut it. Cue grilled chicken skewers! Tender, juicy, grilled goodness on a stick. Who can resist? Dip them in some tangy sauce, and you’ve got a winner.
Easy peasy to make. Marinate and grill. Done and done. Spice ’em up with some herbs or keep it simple. Pair them with our delicious tuna mac, and we’ll be happy campers. Handy, simple, tasty bits of chicken bliss.
11 – Lemon Roasted Potatoes
We dig these zesty lemon roasted potatoes. Tangy burst with crispy texture, can’t go wrong there. Squeeze of lemon brings life to them.
Toss with olive oil, throw in some herbs. Lay them flat for even browning. They are perfect buddies for tuna mac. Really simple yet so tasty.
Roast till golden and fluffy inside. We eat them straight out of the oven. Balance of citrus and potatoes, it’s like a hug for your meal.
12 – Caesar Salad with Croutons
Another casual moment between greens—our Caesar salad with croutons. This is fresh romaine lettuce with bacon bits, grated cheese, and croutons.
Toss it in Caesar dressing for the classic hit. Quick and easy to whip up! Croutons stay crunchy till the last bite.
We enjoy their subtle garlicky flavor. A chilled masterpiece with minimal fuss. Have it solo or with tuna mac. Add fresh cracked pepper.
Cheese enhances everything. We sprinkle generously, sharing is optional. Simple prep, great impact!
13 – Cornbread Muffins
We enjoy these cornbread muffins. Quick bake, quicker to vanish. These are always a party favorite. They balance sweet and savory well.
Bake till golden brown and fluffy. Add a hint of honey for sweetness. Butter keeps them moist. Pair with spicy chili, or just munch solo.
We like ’em with a pat of butter. They crumble delightfully. To jazz it up, toss in jalapeños or cheddar. Versatile and snappy! Easy fix, wherever they land.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.