What the heck is this?
Tuna Macaroni Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and hearty, making it the ultimate side dish for picnics, BBQs, or a quick weeknight meal. This dish features tender elbow macaroni tossed with juicy tuna, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• It’s a quick, easy recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
• The creamy, tangy dressing complements the tuna and veggies perfectly.
• You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a refreshing side dish or light meal.
• It’s highly customizable — add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning.
• Perfect for meal prep or bringing to parties and potlucks.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup pickles or relish (optional)
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (for a tangy twist)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Tuna
While the pasta is cooling, chop the celery, red onion, and pickles (if using). Drain the canned tuna and break it into small pieces with a fork. Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine until you have a smooth, creamy dressing.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Add the tuna, peas, celery, red onion, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — add more salt, pepper, or vinegar for extra tang.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, sprinkle a little paprika on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna macaroni salad is a versatile dish that can be paired with anything from grilled meats to sandwiches, or even enjoyed as a standalone light meal. It’s perfect alongside a BBQ or picnic spread, and it pairs well with crispy potato chips or a fresh green salad.
Switch It Up
• Add chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness.
• Swap the tuna for chicken or salmon for a different protein.
• Make it spicier by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use a different pasta like rotini or fusilli for more texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
• Tuna macaroni salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
• If the salad thickens too much after chilling, simply stir in a little more mayo or yogurt to loosen it up before serving.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I make this salad with canned chicken instead of tuna?
A: Yes, you can! Canned chicken works just as well if you prefer a different protein.
Q: Is this salad good for meal prepping?
A: Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead dish, and it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
Q: Can I add more veggies?
A: Of course! You can add any veggies you like, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots.
Tuna Macaroni Salad: The Ultimate Creamy, Tangy Side Dish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Tuna Macaroni Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and hearty, making it the ultimate side dish for picnics, BBQs, or a quick weeknight meal. This dish features tender elbow macaroni tossed with juicy tuna, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup pickles or relish (optional)
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (for a tangy twist)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Tuna
While the pasta is cooling, chop the celery, red onion, and pickles (if using). Drain the canned tuna and break it into small pieces with a fork. Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine until you have a smooth, creamy dressing.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Add the tuna, peas, celery, red onion, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — add more salt, pepper, or vinegar for extra tang.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, sprinkle a little paprika on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
Tuna macaroni salad is a versatile dish that can be paired with anything from grilled meats to sandwiches, or even enjoyed as a standalone light meal. It’s perfect alongside a BBQ or picnic spread, and it pairs well with crispy potato chips or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: ~30g Per Serving
- Protein: ~18g per serving