Tuna Macaroni Salad is one of those comforting, nostalgic dishes that brings everyone together—whether it’s for a picnic, family gathering, or an easy weeknight meal. Packed with tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, this salad is a go-to recipe when you want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.
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What is Tuna Macaroni Salad?
Tuna Macaroni Salad is a cold pasta salad that combines elbow macaroni, canned tuna, peas, celery, onions, and hard-boiled eggs in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s a classic American side dish often served at potlucks, BBQs, or enjoyed as a standalone meal. With its creamy texture and balanced flavors, it’s a great way to use pantry staples while making something crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love It
There’s a lot to adore about Tuna Macaroni Salad:
- Quick & Easy: Made with common ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like pasta, tuna, and mayo.
- Filling & Versatile: Serve it as a side or make it a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling in the fridge.
Tuna Macaroni Salad Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty twists:
- Add Crunch: Toss in diced pickles, red bell pepper, or shredded carrots.
- Boost the Protein: Use two cans of tuna or add chopped boiled eggs.
- Healthier Twist: Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Zesty Kick: Mix in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna Macaroni Salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken or burgers at a BBQ
- Sliced avocado or tomato wedges for a light lunch
- Fresh fruit or cornbread for a summer picnic
- Crackers or lettuce wraps for a low-carb serving option
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for 6 servings:
- 1 (12 ounce) package elbow macaroni
- 1 (10 ounce) can baby peas, drained
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped sweet onion
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 3 large hard-cooked eggs, quartered
- 1 pinch paprika, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad
Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prep the Ingredients: While the pasta cools, chop the celery, onion, and eggs.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix together the pasta, peas, tuna, celery, onion, and relish.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Toss Everything Together: Add the dressing to the pasta mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish: Top with the quartered eggs and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this salad 1–2 days in advance. The flavors will meld and improve over time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as mayonnaise-based salads tend to separate when frozen.
Nutrition per Serving
Approximate values (for 1 of 6 servings):
- Calories: 582
- Protein: 19g
- Total Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Total Carbohydrate: 52g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: 416mg
- Potassium: 252mg
- Calcium: 41mg
- Iron: 3mg
Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Final Thoughts
- Tuna Macaroni Salad is a beloved classic for a reason—it’s creamy, hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for a backyard get-together or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-have in your collection. Try it once, and you’ll see why it never goes out of style!
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