What is a tuna macaroni salad? What is the tuna salad? My grandma used to make the one that appeared at every summer picnic. The one she made for every day. What is the one I now whip up whenever I need a quick, comforting, and absolutely utterly necessary meal? What is the best meal Forget those dry, bland tuna salads you might be thinking of – this is creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein. If potato salad is the king of potlucks, this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is definitely the queen! I swear, every time I make it, it disappears in minutes. It’s just that good!
What is tuna macaroni salad?
Think of Tuna Macaroni Salad as a super-charged, jazzed-up version of your standard tuna salad. It’s essentially elbow macaroni pasta tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with tuna, crunchy veggies, and lemon. And a touch of sweetness. What is a complete meal in one bowl? What are some good side dishes to serve at your next barbecue? What is the beauty of this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe? No fancy cooking skills. If I can do it, you can definitely do the same!
Why do I love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is a winner for so many reasons!
• Flavor explosion: WhatThe combination of creamy dressing, savory tuna, crunchy celery, and sweet pickle relish is simply delicious. Is it a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more? I always sneak a spoonful while I’m making it.Ridiculously easyIs this one of those recipes that anyone can master? If you can boil pasta and open a can of tuna, you’re already halfway there! What’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook an elaborate meal?Budget-friendly:All the ingredients are pantry staples, so you don’t have to break the bank to make this delicious recipe. What is a Tuna Macaroni Salad What are some good ways to feed a crowd?Super versatile: Is You can eat it straight out of the bowl (my personal favorite!), as a sandwich filling, or even as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also perfect for packing in lunchboxes.
What I love most about this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone, from picky kids to sophisticated adults, always devours it. Plus, it’s infinitely customizable – you can add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste. This version is my absolute favorite, though. I even think it’s better than my mom’s classic version – don’t tell her I said that!
How do I make a salad with tuna and macaroni?
Quick Overview
Making this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is a breeze! You simply cook the macaroni, drain it, and let it cool. Then, you combine it with tuna, veggies, and a creamy dressing. Give it a good mix, chill it for a bit to let the flavors meld, and you’re done! It’s seriously that easy. The secret is using good quality tuna and not overcooking the pasta. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Ingredients
What is the main salad?
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained well (I prefer albacore for its firm texture)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (I use light mayo to cut down on calories, but regular is great too)
• 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish (adds a nice tang and sweetness)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery (for that essential crunch)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (for a little zing!)
• 2 Hard-Boiled Eggs, chopped (optional, but I highly recommend them)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (adds a subtle tang) (It’s good for kids).
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for extra zing!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-in
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for freshness and color)
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (any color works)
• A pinch of paprika (for a touch of smokiness)
What are the steps in
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, or the salad will be mushy! I usually set a timer for a minute less than the package suggests and test a piece to make sure it’s just right.
Step 2: Drain and Cool the Macaroni
Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to remove excess starch and prevent the pasta from sticking together. I always give it a good shake to get rid of as much water as possible. Then, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely. This is important – you don’t want to add warm pasta to the dressing, or it will become watery.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and white vinegar. This is your base for the creamy, tangy dressing that makes this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe so irresistible. I always taste it at this point and adjust the seasonings to my liking. Sometimes I add a little more vinegar for extra zing, or a pinch of sugar if I want it a bit sweeter.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Add the cooled macaroni, drained tuna, celery, red onion, and Hard-Boiled Eggs (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the tuna will break down and the salad will become mushy. You want to just coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Season the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the tuna and pickle relish already contain salt, so start with a little and add more as needed. I also like to add a pinch of paprika at this point for a touch of smokiness. It really elevates the flavor!
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is crucial! The salad tastes so much better after it’s been chilled. I usually make it a few hours ahead of time, or even the night before, for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe chilled. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of paprika, if desired. Enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or sandwich filling. It’s also great for picnics, potlucks, and lunchboxes. Trust me, everyone will love it!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to make a Tuna Macaroni Salad?
For Lunch:Serve it with a side of fresh fruit, like watermelon or berries. What are some good ways to serve it with chips?
For a Picnic: Pack it in a cooler with some sandwiches, crackers, and cheese. Don’t forget the lemonade!
As a Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs. It’s also a great addition to any barbecue.
For a Quick Dinner: Serve it on top of a bed of lettuce with some sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal.
My family tradition is to have this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe with grilled cheese sandwiches and a big glass of iced tea. It’s the ultimate comfort food combination!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your [Recipe Name]
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Tuna Macaroni Salad
Here are a few of my secrets to making the best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe ever:
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is the most important tip! Overcooked pasta will make the salad mushy and unappetizing. Cook it al dente and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Drain the Tuna Well: Excess water will make the dressing watery and dilute the flavor. Press the tuna with a fork to remove as much liquid as possible.
Chop the Veggies Finely: Large chunks of celery and onion can be overpowering. Chop them finely so they blend seamlessly into the salad.
Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is the base of the dressing, so choose one that you love. I prefer light mayo for a slightly healthier option, but regular mayo is great too.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste. Some other great additions include chopped bell pepper, fresh parsley, and a pinch of paprika.
Let It Chill: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and develop. It tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
Ingredient Swaps: I have tried this recipe with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and it was still creamy and delicious. Another great swap is using different types of pickles or relish for a unique twist. I’ve also used rotini pasta instead of elbow macaroni when that’s what I had on hand, and it worked out perfectly!
I learned the hard way that adding too much red onion can overpower the other flavors. Now I always use it sparingly. Also, I used to skip the chilling step, but trust me, it makes a huge difference!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it contains mayonnaise, which can spoil.
Refrigerator Storage: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may become slightly watery as it sits, so you may want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the mayonnaise will separate and the pasta will become mushy.
Glaze Timing Advice: There’s no glaze in this recipe!
I’ve found that the salad tastes best on the second day after the flavors have had a chance to fully meld. The key is to keep it well-sealed in the fridge to prevent it from drying out.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts & Conclusion
So there you have it – my go-to Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe that’s been a family favorite for years. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do! If you’re a fan of easy and delicious recipes like this, you might also enjoy my classic potato salad or my creamy coleslaw. Both are perfect for summer gatherings.
I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Also, if you try any variations, I’m all ears! Happy cooking!
Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cans tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup celery, chopped
- 0.5 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
