Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

If you love dishes that are creamy, tangy, and absolutely comforting, Tuna Macaroni Salad is about to become your new go-to favorite. This delightful salad marries tender macaroni, flaky tuna, and crisp veggies in a rich, flavorful dressing—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or anytime you crave a satisfying bite. Few recipes are as adaptable or loved by all ages, and with every forkful you’ll taste why this classic has stood the test of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the great things about Tuna Macaroni Salad is how its familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients each bring their own special touch. Every component helps to shape the salad’s big flavor and irresistible texture—simple, but truly essential for the perfect bite!

• Elbow macaroni (16 ounces): These little curves are ideal for catching every bit of creamy dressing and tuna.
• Mayonnaise (1 cup): The silky base that binds everything together and gives the salad its lusciousness.
• Sweet pickle relish (½ cup): A pop of sweetness and tang that brightens the dish and adds crunch.
• Celery seed (½ Tablespoon): This secret spice brings a subtle earthy flavor—try adjusting to suit your taste!
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus.
• Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth and zip to balance the creaminess.
• Fresh squeezed lemon juice (1 Tablespoon): Lifts and lightens, making the whole salad taste brighter and fresher.
• Tuna packed in water, drained (3 x 5-ounce cans): Go for classic canned tuna for convenience and mild seafood flavor.
• Hard-boiled eggs, chopped (3): For heartiness, a touch of richness, and beautiful color.
• Shallot, diced (1): A more delicate, slightly sweet onion flavor—if you prefer, swap for red onion.
• Frozen peas, thawed (1 cup): Crown the salad with a burst of green color and gentle sweetness.

How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to package directions. The pasta should be tender but not mushy, as you want it to hold up in the salad. Once done, drain the macaroni and rinse it thoroughly with cold water—this halts the cooking and keeps your salad perfectly chilled and the texture just right.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful backbone of the Tuna Macaroni Salad, and you’ll immediately get a whiff of that signature tang and zest.

Step 3: Add the Tuna

Gently fold in the well-drained tuna to the mayonnaise mixture. Use a fork to break up large chunks, but try not to overmix—the aim is delicious, tender bites of tuna with every mouthful.

Step 4: Combine with Macaroni

Transfer your cooled macaroni into a large mixing bowl, then pour the creamy tuna mixture over top. Give everything a gentle toss until all the pasta is well coated. You’ll start to see those satisfying swirls of dressing hugging the macaroni!

Step 5: Add Eggs, Shallot, and Peas

Now for the finishing touches: toss in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced shallot, and thawed peas. Stir lightly to combine, making sure everything is evenly distributed while maintaining plenty of texture and color.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill your Tuna Macaroni Salad in the fridge for at least a couple hours. This step lets all the ingredients mingle and maximizes the flavor—trust me, it’s worth the wait! When you’re ready to eat, give it one more gentle stir and serve nice and cold.

How to Serve Tuna Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing is such an easy way to make Tuna Macaroni Salad look and taste even better! Sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or dill right before serving for a pop of green and a splash of freshness. If you want a little extra crunch, try a light dusting of paprika or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top.

Side Dishes

This salad is delightfully versatile and pairs well with loads of other sides. Serve it alongside juicy watermelon slices, crunchy potato chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for a casual summer vibe. If you’re serving a bigger spread, baked beans or cornbread make for hearty, satisfying companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress or just want to change things up, try spooning your Tuna Macaroni Salad into halved bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes for a charming, edible bowl. Or serve in individual mason jars for easy party portions—guests will love the colorful layers and the grab-and-go fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tuna Macaroni Salad keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and give it a quick stir before serving—sometimes the dressing thickens a bit as it chills, so you can add a splash of milk or mayo to loosen it if needed.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t generally recommended for this salad, since the creamy dressing and pasta can become watery and lose their luscious, fresh texture when thawed. For the best flavor and feel, make just what you’ll eat within a few days and enjoy every bite freshly chilled.

Reheating

Tuna Macaroni Salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s really no need to reheat it. If the salad is straight from the fridge and seems a little too firm, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to take the chill off, then stir and serve. This brings out the flavors and makes for an even better eating experience!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and fantastic at soaking up the dressing, you can swap in small shells, rotini, or even bowties if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to cook the pasta until just tender for the best texture in your Tuna Macaroni Salad.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise if I want a lighter version?

If you’d like to lighten up your salad, you can use Greek yogurt or a blend of half mayo and half Greek yogurt. These swaps give you a tangy creaminess with less fat, all while still letting the other flavors in your Tuna Macaroni Salad shine through.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

No problem! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the regular macaroni. Be sure to check the other labels on your ingredients (like the mayo and relish) for hidden gluten if you or someone you’re serving has sensitivities.

Is canned tuna in oil okay to use?

Yes, if you only have tuna packed in oil, that works too—just make sure to drain it thoroughly so your Tuna Macaroni Salad isn’t greasy. The oil adds a slightly richer flavor, so taste and adjust seasonings to your liking before serving.

Can I make Tuna Macaroni Salad in advance?

Definitely! This salad actually benefits from a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors come together and improve with time. Just give it a good stir before serving, and refresh with a bit more mayo or lemon juice if you’d like.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Tuna Macaroni Salad yet, now is truly the time. It’s quick, comforting, and always a hit—whether you’re feeding your family or sharing at a party. Give this classic recipe a try and see why so many people call it an all-time favorite!

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