## Amelia's Tuna Macaroni Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Side Dish
Amelia's tuna macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. This easy-to-make salad combines tender macaroni, flaky tuna, crunchy celery, sweet red onion, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, it's a side dish that's sure to please everyone at your gathering.
This recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the dressing. If you prefer a spicier salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño. And for a more colorful dish, toss in some chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or chives.
In this article, you'll find not just Amelia's classic tuna macaroni salad recipe, but also several variations to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. We've included a vegan version made with tofu instead of tuna, a gluten-free version using quinoa instead of macaroni, and a low-carb version featuring cauliflower rice. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect tuna macaroni salad recipe for your next gathering.
TUNA MACARONI SALAD
Great for summer nights when you don't want to cook!
Provided by It's A New Day
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time P1DT1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until done. Drain.
- Marinate macaroni in Italian dressing for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
- Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, celery, garlic powder, tuna, and salt and pepper into macaroni. Chill before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 572.1 calories, Carbohydrate 44.9 g, Cholesterol 28.7 mg, Fat 37.8 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 13.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 847.1 mg, Sugar 4 g
MACARONI TUNA SALAD
This macaroni salad is great for lunch on its own, if you don't feel like cooking on those hot summer days. It's also a wonderful side for grilled food. I have perfected it -- after making many different types of macaroni salad, this one is my favorite. Enjoy!!
Provided by Sally Rogers
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink. Transfer the macaroni to a bowl, and cool in the refrigerator.
- In a large bowl, lightly toss the tuna with celery, onion, and about 1 cup mayonnaise until combined, then stir in the remaining mayonnaise, macaroni, olives, and grape tomatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the salad chill in refrigerator 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 553.1 calories, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 24.3 mg, Fat 37.8 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 14.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 578.3 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
Tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality tuna, macaroni, and vegetables to ensure a flavorful and satisfying salad.
- Cook Macaroni Al Dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and allows it to retain its shape in the salad.
- Flake the Tuna: Flaking the tuna ensures an even distribution throughout the salad and helps prevent large chunks.
- Use a Variety of Vegetables: Incorporating a mix of vegetables, such as celery, onion, and bell peppers, adds color, texture, and nutrients to the salad.
- Make a Creamy Dressing: The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and dijon mustard, adds richness and flavor to the salad.
- Season Generously: Don't be afraid to season the salad with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
- Garnish Before Serving: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon before serving for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Conclusion:
Amelia's Tuna Macaroni Salad is a classic summertime dish that combines the goodness of tuna, macaroni, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. With its combination of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to be a hit at potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. Follow the tips mentioned above to create a delicious and satisfying tuna macaroni salad that your friends and family will love. Don't forget to experiment with different variations, such as adding different vegetables, herbs, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch. Enjoy!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love