What Cheese Goes with Tuna Salad? (12 Cheeses)

Tuna salad is a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with just about any cheese.

But which cheese should you choose?

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to cheese for tuna salad, but some of the most popular include: blue cheese, cottage cheese, gouda, cheddar, and brie.

Each of these cheeses has its own unique flavor profile that will complement the tuna salad perfectly.

Read Also: 11 Best Tuna Salad Dressing Recipes

And if you want to take your tuna salad to the next level, try pairing it with a hard-boiled egg or a piece of toast.

In this article, we’ll go over the best cheeses to pair with tuna salad!

So what’s stopping you from making your very own tuna salad recipe?

Get started by choosing your favorite cheese and starting loading it up on toast!

Why Consider Pairing Cheese with Tuna Salad?

There are a few reasons why considering pairing cheese with tuna salad is important.

First of all, it can add a much needed creaminess to the dish.

Tuna salad is often quite dry, and the addition of cheese can help to balance out the flavors.

Another reason you should consider pairing cheese with tuna salad is to add some additional protein.

Cheese is a great source of protein, and it can help to make the tuna salad more filling and satisfying.

Finally, there’s the flavor element.

Cheese can help to accentuate the flavors of the tuna salad, and it can also add some complexity to the dish.

A good cheese to pair with tuna salad is cheddar, but you could also experiment with other types of cheese to find what you like best.

What Cheese Goes with Tuna Salad?

When it comes to cheese and tuna salad, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some popular choices include cheddar, Swiss, and mozzarella. However, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect flavor combination for your tuna salad.

For a mild flavor, try a soft cheese like Brie or cottage cheese. For a more bold flavor, try a sharp cheese like Parmesan or Asiago.

Keep scrolling for more ideas!

1. Cottage Cheese

Possibly the most popular cheese to pair with tuna, cottage cheese is a very subtle flavor with a slightly salty taste.

This cheese goes amazingly well with other fresh ingredients, such as diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

You could also add some hard-boiled eggs, or even some crumbled bacon.

As for sides, some crusty bread or crackers would be perfect.

You could also add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a bit of extra flavor.

2. Feta

Known for its tangy, rich, and slightly salty flavor, feta cheese is a delicious addition to any tuna salad.

Other ingredients that pair well with feta include olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

For a complete meal, serve tuna salad on a bed of greens with a side of whole grain bread.

To really bring out the flavor of the feta, try sprinkling a few crumbles on top of the salad before serving.

3. Ricotta

Because the texture of ricotta is both smooth and slightly grainy, it can help to add a bit of creaminess to the dish while the subtly sweet taste can provide a nice contrast to the salty tuna salad.

Other ingredients that pair well with ricotta in a tuna salad include diced celery, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.

For a bit of crunch, you could add chopped walnuts or sliced almonds.

Sides that would go well with this dish include crusty bread, a simple green salad, or roasted potatoes.

4. Goat cheese

This cheese is one of the most popular choices for many tuna salad lovers.

The goat cheese tartness with a soft, spreadable texture is what makes this cheese a perfect choice for tuna salad.

The other ingredients that usually accompany this cheese are celery, onion, dill, and mayonnaise.

The dill and mayonnaise help to bring out the flavor of the goat cheese, while the celery and onion add a crunchy texture to the dish.

5. Cheddar

I love a sharp cheese on my plate any day, and cheddar is one of my all-time favorites.

The pungent, earthy flavor pairs perfectly with so many ingredients – from hearty tuna salad to bright, acidic tomatoes.

I also love to add a little crunch to my tuna salad with a few chopped up celery stalks, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill.

If you’re looking for a truly standout dish, try pairing cheddar cheese with tuna salad and serving it on a bed of crispy lettuce or in a toasted pita pocket.

Delicious!

6. Swiss

Sometimes you don’t want a strong cheese in your tuna salad.

Swiss is a great option because it’s sweet, mild, and nutty.

This cheese will add a nice depth of flavor to your dish. Other ingredients that go well with Swiss cheese are ham, mushrooms, and onions.

If you’re looking for a bit of crunch, you can add some chopped celery or croutons.

For a bit of sweetness, try adding grapes or dried cranberries.

Finally, don’t forget the basics: mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper.

This dish is great on its own, but even better when served with a side of potato salad or coleslaw.

7. Mozzarella

If you like mild and simple flavors, then mozzarella is the cheese for you.

It’s delicate and slightly sour, with a milk-like freshness.

Other ingredients that go well with this cheese are: tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil.

You can also add some black pepper to taste. For a complete meal, serve this dish with some crusty bread and a green salad.

8. Parmesan

For a fruity option that still has a bit of a nutty taste, try Parmesan cheese with your tuna salad.

The sharpness of the cheese will help to cut through the richness of the tuna, while the fruitiness will provide a nice contrast to the acidity of the vinegar in the salad.

Other ingredients that pair well with Parmesan include: fresh herbs like basil or oregano, greens like arugula or spinach, and tomato.

For a complete meal, serve your tuna salad on top of a bed of greens, with a side of whole wheat bread or crackers.

9. Blue cheese

Everybody knows that tuna salad is delicious.

What some people don’t know, however, is that adding blue cheese to your tuna salad can take it to the next level.

The sharp, salty flavor of blue cheese is the perfect addition to the creamy tuna salad, and it also pairs well with other ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

If you’re looking for a complete meal, you can serve your tuna salad on a bed of greens with a side of fruit.

And if you’re feeling really fancy, you can add some chopped herbs or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese on top.

10. Gouda

Because this cheese comes with so many flavors, it can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Those who like a strong flavor may enjoy it on its own or with a strong-tasting tuna salad.

For a more mellow flavor, try pairing it with a simple tuna salad that has only a few ingredients.

You can also add other ingredients to your tuna salad to complement the flavors of the cheese.

Try adding some chopped onions, celery, or grapes.

You could also add some chopped nuts or seeds for a crunchy contrast.

If you want a more filling meal, you could serve your tuna salad on top of a bed of greens or with some whole-grain crackers.

11. Provolone

Full of character, Provolone is a smooth and mild cheese with hints of nuts and salty undertones.

It pairs well with other ingredients like ham, olives, and peppers, and can be elevated with sides like a simple green salad or some crusty bread.

If you’re not full after your meal, some fresh fruit or a glass of wine are perfect finishing touches.

12. Brie

Let’s finish off with a mild option, brie cheese.

Brie cheese has a buttery and creamy taste that can go well with a variety of dishes.

Try it in a tuna salad with some grapes and walnuts for a sweetness and crunch.

Other ingredients that pair well with brie cheese are: apples, pears, figs, honey, and Prosciutto. Consider adding a green side salad or some roasted potatoes to complete the meal.

I personally also like to prepare brie cheese by wrapping it in Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough and then baking it until the dough is golden brown.

You can then top it with some honey and serve it as an appetizer.

Yum!

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