Description
Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad is a creamy, protein-packed side or main dish perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep. Made with elbow macaroni, tuna, and a tangy mayo-based dressing, this classic American cold pasta salad is quick, refreshing, and easy to customize. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
2 cans tuna in water, drained
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let it cool completely.
2. While the pasta cooks, chop the celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs. Drain the tuna well.
3. In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Add the cooled macaroni, tuna, celery, red onion, and chopped eggs to the bowl. Gently mix until everything is well coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use solid white albacore tuna for best texture and flavor.
If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of mayo or milk.
You can add thawed peas or shredded carrots for extra color and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 95mg