Description
This Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you need a quick lunch, easy dinner, or simple side dish for gatherings. Tender macaroni, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a rich homemade dressing come together in one satisfying bowl that’s ideal for meal prep, summer cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners. Whether you’re searching for easy recipe ideas, cold pasta salad recipes, quick dinner ideas, or affordable comfort food, this classic tuna macaroni salad delivers every time.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cans tuna, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup onion, finely diced
1/4 cup pickle relish
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
3. Drain the tuna thoroughly and flake it with a fork into small pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl along with the tuna, celery, onion, pickle relish, chopped eggs, and fresh herbs.
6. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
8. Stir the salad before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Use al dente pasta to keep the salad from becoming mushy after chilling.
Drain the tuna very well to prevent excess moisture in the dressing.
For extra creaminess after refrigeration, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy tuna macaroni salad, tuna pasta salad, cold macaroni salad, easy dinner ideas, quick lunch recipe, creamy tuna salad, pasta salad recipe