tuna macaroni salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
tuna macaroni salad recipe
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The Best tuna macaroni salad recipe

I’ve been making tuna macaroni salad for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I first tried it when I was a kid, and my mom made it for me as a quick and easy lunch.

It’s a classic American recipe that’s been around for decades, and its simplicity is part of its charm. The dish typically consists of canned tuna mixed with cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, and various vegetables like onions, carrots, and hard-boiled eggs.

The mayonnaise adds a creamy texture that complements the fishy flavor of the tuna. I love this recipe because it’s so versatile – you can serve it at picnics, potlucks, or even as a side dish at family gatherings.

My kids adore it, and I often pack it in their lunches for school. One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just mix everything together in a bowl and refrigerate until serving time.

It’s also incredibly healthy, considering the high protein content of the tuna and the complex carbohydrates from the pasta. My husband appreciates how affordable this meal is – all you need is some canned tuna, pasta, mayonnaise, and a few veggies to get started.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Tuna Macaroni Salad

4.9 from 1339 votes

A classic Tuna Macaroni Salad is a delightful blend of tender macaroni, savory tuna, and a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Macaroni

250 grams elbow macaroni

For the Tuna Mixture

2 cans (100g each) tuna in water, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Vegetables

1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3The macaroni should be tender but still firm to the bite.
4Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
5While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
6Finely chop the red onion, celery stalk, and carrot.
7Thaw the frozen peas.
8You should have a mix of finely chopped vegetables and peas ready.
9In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, and thawed peas.
10Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the macaroni.
11In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
12This will be the creamy dressing for the salad.
13The mixture should be smooth and well blended.
14Add the creamy dressing to the macaroni and vegetable mixture.
15Stir gently with a wooden spoon until everything is well coated.
16The macaroni should be evenly coated with the creamy dressing, and the vegetables should be well incorporated.
17Drain the tuna and add it to the macaroni salad mixture.
18Gently fold the tuna into the salad until it is evenly distributed.
19The tuna should be well incorporated into the salad, adding a savory flavor to the dish.

🔧Equipment

Medium pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add a hard-boiled egg or capers for extra flavor and texture.

Watch Video Of How Tuna Macaroni Salad Works

Tuna macaroni salad is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s easy to make, delicious, and can be served as a side dish or a light meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a quick lunch. I often make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy families. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving. You can also add more vegetables to the salad. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they’re easy to mix in and eat.

It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your family’s tastes. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Just make sure to cook the macaroni al dente. This prevents the macaroni from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.

I recommend serving it chilled or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Macaroni Salad

1. What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

Cook any type of pasta you prefer – elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can also use shells or rotini if you like.

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