What To Serve With Tuna Melts – 33 Delicious Side Dishes

If you’re wondering what to serve with your tuna melt, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 33 of the most popular side dishes for tuna melts.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with tuna melts are tomato basil soup, vinegar coleslaw, refrigerator pickles, and roasted kale chips. You can also go with onion rings, French fries, blistered shishito peppers, and broccoli tots. Want a salad? Go with romaine lettuce or a mixed bean salad. 

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Tomato basil soup

Tomato soup and melts are a classic combination.

And the key to this recipe is the roasted tomatoes – unlike fresh tomatoes, they have a perfect balance between sweet and acidic flavors, making for super tasty soup. 

Psst… for a deeper tomato flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste. 

Why we love this recipe: you can make a big batch and freeze it for later.

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Vinegar coleslaw

This coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment for your tuna melts. 

Instead of a mayo dressing, this recipe goes for an apple cider vinegar-based one.

This reduces the carbs and fats in your slaw, plus you get all the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. 

Pro tip: this slaw gets tastier the longer it sits, so make it a few hours ahead of time for best results.

Why we love this recipe: it’s great when you’re feeding a crowd.

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Garlic dill refrigerator pickles

These dill pickles are a must-have with any sandwich. 

They’re crunchy and have a bright, tangy flavor that will cut right through your creamy tuna melt. 

But the best thing about these pickles is how easy they are to make – you just need to boil your pickling mixture and soak your cucumbers in a jar. 

It’s that easy! 

Why we love this recipe: you get so much use out of one batch. 

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Beer-battered onion rings

There are two types of onion rings.

Breadcrumbed and battered.

Everyone has a favorite – and mines beer battered.

I think you get a lighter crust that’s still nice and crunchy.

You can enjoy these golden rings on the side with your favorite dip, or try stuffing them inside your sandwich!

Why we love this recipe: it taste just like restaurant onion rings.

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Roasted kale chips

Trade in your usual potato chips for these roasted kale chips.

Kale is a nutrient powerhouse – it’s chock-full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. 

And because you bake the chips there’s not much oil involved.

This recipe sticks with a simple salt seasoning, but you can use any spice blend you want. Nutritional yeast always tastes good.

Why we love this recipe: each serving only clocks in at 44 calories.

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Blistered shishito peppers

These shishito peppers may not be a traditional accompaniment for tuna melts, but trust me, you won’t regret this pairing! 

Blistering gives them a delectable smoky flavor that goes nicely with the creaminess of your tuna melt. 

These peppers are mostly mild, but every now and then you’ll get one that’s pretty hot!

Why we love this recipe: it’s a fun and unique side option.

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Romaine lettuce salad with mint and dill

Instead of stuffing your tuna melt with leafy greens, why not have them on the side in a salad?

This lettuce salad is an excellent option – the Romaine leaves are mixed with fresh dill and mint, then everything is tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. 

This combination makes for a refreshing bite alongside your tuna melt.

Why we love this recipe: you can get it on the table in less than 10 minutes.

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Mixed bean salad

Give your tuna melts a tasty protein boost with a serving of this mixed bean salad. 

The great thing about this recipe is you’re free to choose what medley of beans to use. 

It’s the perfect opportunity to use up that can of garbanzo and kidney beans sitting in your pantry! 

Why we love this recipe: it’s a great make-ahead dish because the flavors meld and develop over time.

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Homemade French fries

French fries are a quintessential side dish for sandwiches, including a tuna melt. 

The problem with making fries at home is they never taste as good as the ones from the fast food chains. 

But this recipe fixes this by double frying the potatoes. This gives you those coveted crispy exteriors and fluffy, tender interiors. 

Why we love this recipe: these homemade fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Broccoli tots

These broccoli tots are a spin on the family favorite tater tots.

They’re super tasty too. The sharp white cheddar goes really nicely with the broccoli’s earthy notes. 

Psst… try using these tots to scoop up any tuna filling that oozes out from your sandwich.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a great way to sneak extra veggies into your meal.

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Creamy avocado pasta salad

If you think your tuna melt won’t fill you up, a side of pasta salad is what you need. 

And this one has a creamy, but light and citrusy avocado dressing – once you try it you’ll never want to go back to pesto again!

There’s also spinach blended in the avocado dressing, not that anyone will ever know.

Why we love this recipe: it’s loaded with flavors reminiscent of summer.

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The best side dishes to serve with tuna melts

• Tomato basil soup
• Vinegar coleslaw
• Garlic dill refrigerator pickles
• Beer-battered onion rings
• Roasted kale chips
• Blistered shishito peppers
• Romaine lettuce salad with mint and dill
• Mixed bean salad
• Homemade French fries
• Broccoli tots
• Creamy avocado pasta salad

What To Serve With Tuna Melts

In this short recipe, I show you exactly what to serve with your tuna melts.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 1 person

Calories 233 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 portion tuna melt

Instructions

 

• Prepare your tuna melts according to your favorite recipe.
• In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
• Side dishes include: tomato basil soup, vinegar coleslaw, garlic dill refrigerator pickles, beer-battered onion rings, roasted kale chips, blistered shishito peppers, romaine lettuce salad with mint and dill, mixed bean salad, homemade french fries, broccoli tots, and creamy avocado pasta salad.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Keyword tuna melts side dishes, what to serve with tuna melts