If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines comfort, freshness, and a satisfying protein boost, this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that mixes tender elbow macaroni with creamy, tangy mayonnaise dressing, sweet pickle relish, and perfectly flaky tuna, all lifted by bursts of fresh peas and the richness of chopped hard-boiled eggs. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a summer gathering, or just craving something deliciously nostalgic, this salad hits all the right notes to keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple staples is all it takes to put this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe together. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s lending creaminess, crunch, or bright flavor highlights that make every bite delightful and satisfying.
- 16 ounce box elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the dressing and all those tasty mix-ins.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, luscious base that brings all ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle tang.
- 1/2 tablespoon celery seed: Brings a mild, earthy crunch that enhances the salad’s complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Gives a gentle hint of spice to lift the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the entire salad with fresh citrus zing.
- 3 (5 ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained well: The star protein that’s flaky, light, and nutritious.
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: Provides creaminess and rich texture inside each bite.
- 1 shallot, diced: Adds a subtle sharpness and a mild onion flavor.
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed: Brings a pop of vibrant green and a touch of sweet freshness.
How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it until just al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta will hold its shape and texture in the salad without becoming mushy. Drain well and rinse with cold water immediately to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta, making it ready to blend perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. This dressing is the heart of the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe, delivering creamy richness complemented by a zesty brightness and herbaceous undertones. Whisking these ingredients thoroughly ensures each bite of pasta will be coated with full flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tuna
Gently fold the drained tuna into your dressing mixture. You want to break it up slightly, but don’t overdo it—keeping some larger tuna pieces helps add texture and makes you really notice that savory seafood taste in every mouthful.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Dressing
Next, add your cooled macaroni to the tuna and dressing bowl. Toss everything carefully to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated in that irresistible creamy dressing. This step guarantees that the salad will be flavorful throughout, not just in patches.
Step 5: Fold in the Extras
Now it’s time to add chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced shallot, and thawed peas. Stir gently to combine all ingredients without mashing the eggs too much. These add vibrant color, additional creaminess, a mild crunch, and fresh sweetness that balance the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Chill and Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least two hours. This chilling step is crucial as it allows all the flavors to marry and deepen, giving you a Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe that tastes even better the next day.
Step 7: Final Touch Before Serving
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. This refreshes the textures and distributes any dressing that may have settled at the bottom, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last. Serve it cold for a perfectly satisfying meal or side dish.
How to Serve Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a vibrant finishing touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or dill. A few paprika flakes or sliced green onions also elevate the presentation and add a subtle flavor boost that makes this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, savory sandwiches, or fresh garden salads. Its creamy texture and rich protein content mean it can stand alone or complement lighter, crisp accompaniments perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Tuna Macaroni Salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for a charming twist. Or pile it high on toasted rye bread for an open-faced sandwich that’s sure to impress friends at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, and the salad stays creamy and fresh. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing tuna macaroni salad is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing and vegetables can separate and change texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be eaten cold, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before digging in to bring out more aroma and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned for this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe?
While fresh tuna can be used, canned tuna is preferred for this salad because it’s already cooked, flaky, and moist. Using fresh tuna would require cooking it separately and could change the salad’s texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! Use light or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing, and consider adding extra veggies like chopped celery or bell peppers to increase fiber and nutrients.
Can this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the tuna and eggs with chickpeas or vegan tuna alternatives, and use vegan mayonnaise. It will change the flavor profile but still result in a tasty, creamy salad.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least two hours is best to let the flavors combine fully, but if you’re in a rush, chilling for 30 minutes can still yield tasty results.
What is the best way to ensure the pasta doesn’t get mushy?
Cook the macaroni just until it’s al dente, rinse it under cold water to stop cooking immediately, and drain well before mixing it with the dressing. This keeps the texture firm and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy and irresistibly delicious Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe in your culinary toolbox, I encourage you to make it your own and share it with friends and family. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, freshness, and satisfaction all on one plate. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy, and flavorful bite!
Print
Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Tuna Macaroni Salad that combines tender elbow macaroni with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, sweet pickle relish, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, shallots, and peas. It’s a refreshing, protein-packed dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a hearty side, with a bright touch of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounce box elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 tablespoon celery seed (more or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
Main Mix-ins
- 3 (5 ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained well
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Instructions
- 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. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, salt, pepper, and fresh squeezed lemon juice until well combined. This creamy base is the key to the salad’s signature flavor.
- Add Tuna: Gently fold the drained tuna into the dressing mixture, breaking it up slightly but leaving some larger pieces for texture.
- Combine Pasta and Tuna Dressing: Add the cooled, drained macaroni to the bowl with the tuna and dressing. Toss to evenly coat the pasta.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced shallot, and thawed frozen peas. Gently stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated, being careful not to break up the eggs too much.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld for the best taste.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Enjoy it cold, either as a main dish or a hearty side!
Notes
- To make hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover for 12 minutes before cooling in ice water.
- Adjust celery seed quantity to taste; it adds a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Use mayonnaise with a flavor profile you enjoy, such as classic or light mayo.
- For added texture, you can optionally add chopped celery or bell pepper.
- Ensure pasta is well drained and cooled to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Salad can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
