Tuna Macaroni Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tuna macaroni salad is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. The tender elbow macaroni is tossed with tuna, hard-cooked eggs, peas, celery, and onion, all bound together with mayonnaise and a hint of mustard. It’s a simple, versatile recipe that can be made in advance and is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of protein from the tuna and eggs, plus the freshness from the veggies, makes it a satisfying dish that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 10-12 ounces tuna packed in water (drained, feel free to add more if you like)
• 4 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
• 1 cup frozen peas (cooked and cooled)
• 4 hard-cooked eggs (chopped)
• 1-2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or more as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, drained tuna, sweet pickle relish, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and cooled peas.
3. Add the chopped hard-cooked eggs to the bowl.
4. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is well coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or mustard if needed.
6. Refrigerate the tuna macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
• Include chopped pickles for extra tang.
• You can use a different type of pasta, like rotini or shells, for a fun twist.
• Add in some diced bell peppers, olives, or shredded cheese to customize the salad to your taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. If it thickens over time, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving. Avoid freezing the salad, as the mayonnaise and other ingredients may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?

Yes, you can! Using tuna in oil will give the salad a richer flavor, but tuna packed in water is often preferred for a lighter dish.

Can I make tuna macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative. You could also add more vegetables, such as carrots or peas, to increase the nutrient content.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute the elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or shells.

Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, you can add a bit of chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy mustard to give the salad some heat.

How long will tuna macaroni salad last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze tuna macaroni salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze tuna macaroni salad because the mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use fresh peas if you prefer. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water and then cool them before adding them to the salad.

Can I skip the mustard in the recipe?

If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can leave it out or replace it with a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice for some tang.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the tuna and using chickpeas or another protein source like tofu to give the salad some texture and protein.

Conclusion

This Tuna Macaroni Salad recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a meal at home, this salad will become a go-to recipe in your rotation. So, gather your ingredients, get mixing, and enjoy a creamy, crunchy, and delicious salad!

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