What Sides Go with Tuna Patties?

Tuna patties are a versatile and delicious dish that can effortlessly serve as the centerpiece of any meal. However, to truly elevate the dining experience, pairing them with the right side dishes is essential. In this guide, we thoroughly explore what sides go with tuna patties to complement their savory flavor and ensure a balanced plate. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or preparing a casual family meal, you’ll discover plenty of ideas to suit every occasion here.

A plated meal with crispy tuna patties, fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, and lemon wedges on a rustic wooden table. — A deliciously balanced plate featuring tuna patties served with fresh salad, roasted asparagus, and tartar sauce for dipping.

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Why Pair Sides with Tuna Patties?

Tuna patties offer a unique combination of protein and flavor, often enhanced by seasonings, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Pairing them with complementary sides enhances the overall meal experience by balancing flavors and textures. A well-chosen side can also cater to dietary preferences and create a visually appealing plate.

Best Side Dishes for Tuna Patties

Here are some of the best options when deciding what sides go with tuna patties:

1. Salads

Salads are a light and refreshing option that balances the richness of tuna patties.

Green Salad: A simple mix of lettuce, spinach, and arugula with a lemon vinaigrette complements tuna patties beautifully.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing adds crunch and zest.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber and dill salad pairs well with the savory flavor of tuna patties.
Greek Salad: Featuring feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes, Greek salad adds a Mediterranean touch to your meal.
Caprese Salad: A mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offers a sophisticated pairing.

Explore how to create the perfect vinaigrette in this detailed recipe.

Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad, especially with citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, can add a refreshing sweetness.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing offers a tangy and unique pairing.
Kale and Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, this salad provides a hearty and healthy side.
Arugula and Pear Salad: The peppery taste of arugula combined with the sweetness of pears makes for a refined side dish.

A spread of colorful side dishes including Greek salad with feta and olives, creamy coleslaw, and cucumber dill salad on a marble countertop. — Explore these vibrant salads as perfect sides for tuna patties, including Greek salad, coleslaw, and refreshing cucumber dill salad.

2. Vegetable Sides

Vegetables offer nutritional value and pair wonderfully with tuna patties.

Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and roasted, asparagus provides a delightful crunch.
Steamed Broccoli: A healthy and versatile option that’s easy to prepare.
Grilled Zucchini: Adds a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with tuna patties.
Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory, glazed carrots are a colorful and flavorful addition.
Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic vinegar add depth and a slight crunch to the meal.

Vegetable sides not only enhance the nutritional profile of your meal but also add vibrant colors to your plate, making it visually appealing.

Sautéed Spinach: Sautéed spinach with garlic can provide a flavorful yet simple complement to tuna patties.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with quinoa, vegetables, or a light cheese blend, stuffed peppers make for an exciting and flavorful pairing.
Roasted Cauliflower: With spices like paprika and cumin, roasted cauliflower adds a bold flavor to the plate.
Honey-Glazed Green Beans: Sweet and savory green beans bring balance and color to your plate.
Balsamic-Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and beets, adds a rustic touch.
Spaghetti Squash: Tossed with olive oil and garlic, this side is light yet satisfying.

3. Starches

Adding starches makes the meal more filling and satisfying.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf adds texture and flavor.
Quinoa Salad: A healthy, protein-rich option that’s perfect for those seeking a lighter side.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, these fries add a fun and tasty element.
Herbed Couscous: Infused with fresh herbs and lemon zest, couscous is an elegant side.
Baked Potatoes: A loaded baked potato with sour cream, chives, and a sprinkle of cheese can be hearty and delicious.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers both flavor and texture.
Wild Rice Blend: This nutty and flavorful mix adds a rustic touch to your plate.
Polenta: Creamy polenta or polenta fries can provide an exciting textural contrast.
Barley Risotto: Creamy and rich, barley risotto offers a unique alternative to traditional starches.
Farro Salad: Nutty and chewy farro with roasted vegetables makes for a satisfying and hearty side.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to your plate.

Each starch offers a different texture and flavor that can complement the soft and flavorful tuna patties.

4. Bread and Grains

Garlic Bread: Adds a garlicky richness that complements the savory tuna.
Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread balances the salty flavor of tuna patties.
Whole Grain Rolls: A fiber-rich side that’s also filling.
Flatbreads: Soft and versatile, flatbreads are great for scooping up sauces.
Pita Bread: Perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal, pita bread is light yet filling.
Bagels: A toasted bagel served alongside tuna patties offers a unique texture and pairing.
Sourdough Bread: With its tangy flavor, sourdough can add complexity to your meal.
Rye Bread: The robust flavor of rye bread pairs surprisingly well with the savory notes of tuna patties.
Ciabatta: Light and airy, ciabatta is perfect for soaking up sauces or dips served with tuna patties.
Focaccia: Rich with olive oil and herbs, focaccia adds depth and luxury to the meal.
Multigrain Crackers: A crunchy option for those who enjoy contrasting textures.

5. Dips and Sauces

Enhance the flavor of tuna patties with these dips:

Tartar Sauce: A classic choice.
Aioli: Garlic or lemon aioli adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Yogurt Dill Sauce: A light, tangy option perfect for a Mediterranean twist.
Sriracha Mayo: For those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, this dip pairs beautifully with crispy edges of tuna patties.
Avocado Crema: A creamy avocado dip with lime juice can add freshness and creaminess.
Chimichurri Sauce: This herby sauce can bring bold and zesty flavors to tuna patties.
Mango Salsa: A sweet and spicy mango salsa provides a tropical twist.
Roasted Red Pepper Dip: A smoky and slightly sweet dip that adds depth to your plate.
Caper-Lemon Sauce: A tangy sauce with capers, lemon, and butter for a luxurious pairing.
Raita: A cooling yogurt-based dip infused with cucumber and mint.

Creative Pairings for Different Occasions

Weeknight Dinners

For a quick and nutritious meal, pair tuna patties with:

Steamed broccoli and sweet potato fries.
A green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Garlic bread and yogurt dill sauce for dipping.

Weekend Gatherings

Make your tuna patties meal more festive by serving:

Roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa salad.
Greek salad and cornbread.
Mashed potatoes with a drizzle of brown butter.
Polenta fries with aioli.
Honey-glazed green beans and wild rice.
Balsamic-roasted vegetables for added depth.

Kids’ Favorites

Tuna patties can be a hit with kids when paired with:

Sweet potato fries and ketchup.
Coleslaw with a creamy dressing.
Whole grain rolls and honey mustard sauce.
Buttered pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan.
Roasted sweet corn with a touch of butter.
Cheesy mashed potatoes for added indulgence.
Homemade potato chips for a crunchy side.

Elegant Dinners

For a sophisticated presentation:

Caprese salad and herbed couscous.
Grilled zucchini and rice pilaf.
Glazed carrots with a hint of cinnamon.
Stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer or side.
Wild rice blend with fresh herbs.
Barley risotto topped with fresh parsley.
Farro salad with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil.
Focaccia bread with olive oil and rosemary.
Beet carpaccio with goat cheese as a stunning starter.

How to Serve a Balanced Meal with Tuna Patties

When deciding what sides go with tuna patties, think about creating a balanced meal:

Protein: Tuna patties provide the main protein source.
Vegetables: Add one or two vegetable sides for fiber and nutrients.
Carbs: Include a starch or grain to make the meal more filling.
Flavor Enhancers: Use sauces or dips to add depth to the meal.

For example, you can pair tuna patties with roasted asparagus, rice pilaf, and a lemon aioli for a Mediterranean-inspired plate. Another option is serving them with steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, and tartar sauce for a classic comfort meal.

If you’re hosting a themed dinner, try creating a cohesive menu by using complementary spices and herbs throughout the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to eat tuna patties with?

Tuna patties pair exceptionally well with light and refreshing sides, such as crisp green salads, flavorful roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. Furthermore, adding a tangy sauce, such as classic tartar sauce or a zesty lemon aioli, not only enhances their savory flavor but also introduces a delightful balance to the dish.

What sides go well with tuna?

Great sides for tuna include roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, hearty quinoa salads bursting with vibrant flavors, crisp and tangy coleslaw, and rich, creamy mashed potatoes. Additionally, pairing tuna with fresh, tangy, or creamy sides not only creates a balanced meal but also introduces a delightful interplay of textures and tastes, ensuring every bite is memorable.

What does tuna match with?

Tuna pairs excellently with citrus flavors, fresh herbs, and light, crunchy vegetables. For instance, a drizzle of lemon or lime juice brightens the dish, while the earthy aroma of fresh dill adds depth. Additionally, pairing tuna with the peppery taste of arugula or the crunch of thinly sliced radishes creates a balanced and refreshing bite.

What can I eat with tuna besides crackers?

Beyond crackers, tuna can be paired with freshly baked bread rolls, roasted vegetables like caramelized carrots or Brussels sprouts, hearty rice dishes infused with herbs, or creamy salads such as potato or coleslaw. These versatile options not only provide variety but also ensure a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Furthermore, incorporating vibrant flavors and textures enhances the overall dining experience.