4 Easy Side Dishes to Make For Friendsgiving

In our opinion, when it comes to Thanksgiving—and Friendsgiving—side dishes are the star! Sure, we love a flavorful, juicy turkey as much as anyone. Still, we can’t help but find ourselves piling up our plates with the crowd-pleasing classics: mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted veggies, mac and cheese, and stuffing.

But this holiday season, we’re feeling inspired to stir up some new traditions and step up our side dish game. 

We’ve whipped up four easy standout side dishes with a little help from our luscious premium yellowfin and albacore tuna. The recipes take 30 minutes or less, and we bet your family and friends will be rooting for their return next year. 

Green Bean & Tuna Salad

There are many reasons why everyone loves green bean casserole: it’s an easy, colorful, and comforting side dish made with simple ingredients. Our green bean salad checks all those boxes and more.

This fresh, lighter alternative bursts with lively flavor and texture thanks to crispy pancetta, savory albacore tuna, and bright green beans. Red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard bring the perfect zing.

Lemony Provencal Tuna Potatoes in Dijon Vinaigrette

If you’re looking to swap out basic mashed potatoes for a more elegant potato side dish, look no farther than our Lemony Provencal Tuna and Potatoes in Dijon Vinaigrette. Tender potatoes are tossed in fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic, then topped with fresh thyme and rosemary. The addition of rich and savory yellowfin tuna complements the vibrant and herby dressing. This is low-effort, high-quality dining at its finest.

One Skillet Creamy Tuna

Creamy and cheesy side dishes are a staple at any Friendsgiving feast, but this ultra-creamy tuna pasta dish will outshine them all. Every bite is bursting with chunks of buttery albacore tuna, tender pasta shells, and sweet peas well-coated in a delicious, hearty sauce. But the best part? It comes together in one pot on your stovetop. We recommend folding in some freshly shredded cheddar cheese for some extra holiday cheer. 

Tuna & Vegetable Risotto

We love this recipe, not only for its protein-rich, comforting flavor, but also for its versatility. It can be enjoyed all year around. Our original recipe includes asparagus and thyme, but in the spirit of the fall season, we recommend opting for roasted butternut squash, rosemary, and sage. The process of cooking the rice takes some patience, but the payoff is well-worth it. It’s delightfully cozy and creamy.