Indulge in the classic summertime staple, Cold Macaroni and Tuna Salad, a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This refreshing dish is a perfect blend of cooked macaroni, flaked tuna, crisp celery, sweet onion, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. Served chilled, it's a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light and easy lunch or dinner. This versatile dish offers variations to suit your preferences, including a Tangy Mustard Dressing for those who prefer a zesty kick, a Creamy Dill Dressing for a touch of herbaceousness, and a tangy Lemon Vinaigrette for a bright and citrusy twist.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
COLD MACARONI AND TUNA SALAD
This is a simple and good recipe that is great served on those hot summer days and can even be prepared the night before so that it is ready and cold when you come home from work the next day. My husband never ate this until we got married and in the summer he requests it every other week. You can substitute chicken for the tuna and it is great that way also. I serve it on a leaf of lettuce, for looks, with an assortment of crackers. Happy eating!
Provided by HSTR
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 1h58m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove eggs from hot water, cool under cold running water, and peel.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- Put frozen peas into a colander and rinse with hot water; drain well.
- Place the macaroni and peas in a large bowl. Dice eggs and add to the bowl. Put the tuna in the bowl, flaking it apart.
- Stir mayonnaise into the mixture a little at a time, so the mixture is moist but not soggy. Sprinkle the salt and pepper and mix one last time. Cover and refrigerate for a least 1 hour or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 342.2 calories, Carbohydrate 40.8 g, Cholesterol 108.2 mg, Fat 9.5 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 22.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 219.8 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
COLD MACARONI AND TUNA SALAD
Steps:
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Over medium heat, bring water to a full boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Immediately plunge eggs into cold water.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- Put frozen peas into a colander and rinse with hot water; drain well. In a large bowl place the macaroni and peas. Peel eggs and dice them into the bowl. Put the tuna in the bowl, flaking it apart.
- Stir mayonnaise into the mixture a little at a time, so the mixture is moist but not soggy. Sprinkle the salt and pepper and mix one last time.
- Cover and refrigerate for a least one hour or overnight.
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for this salad, but you can use any short pasta shape that you like. Some other good options include penne, rotini, and shells.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape well in the salad.
- Use high-quality tuna. Canned tuna is a great option for this salad, but be sure to use a good-quality brand that is packed in water or oil. Avoid tuna that is packed in brine, as it will be too salty.
- Add your favorite vegetables. This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Some good options include diced celery, chopped bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers.
- Don't skimp on the dressing. The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the salad together. Be sure to use a good-quality mayonnaise and add plenty of it. You can also add other ingredients to the dressing, such as Dijon mustard, lemon juice, or herbs.
- Chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Cold macaroni and tuna salad is a classic summer dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your own tastes. Whether you like it simple or loaded with vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give cold macaroni and tuna salad a try.
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