Best 5 Grandma Wells Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the classic American comfort food, Grandma Wells' Tuna Macaroni Salad, a delightful dish that combines the flavors of tuna, macaroni, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

The recipe includes variations to suit different tastes, such as the Tangy Tuna Macaroni Salad, which adds a zesty twist with the inclusion of lemon juice, mustard, and a dash of hot sauce. For those who prefer a creamy and tangy version, the Creamy Tuna Macaroni Salad incorporates sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a hint of garlic powder.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, the article also features a Lightened-Up Tuna Macaroni Salad, which uses Greek yogurt and reduced-fat mayonnaise to create a guilt-free indulgence. And for a vegetarian twist, the article offers a Tuna-Free Macaroni Salad, replacing tuna with chickpeas and adding a pop of color with chopped red bell pepper and fresh parsley.

No matter your preference, Grandma Wells' Tuna Macaroni Salad and its variations promise a delicious and satisfying meal or side dish that will leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to create this timeless classic.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

GRANDMA WELLS' TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Grandma Wells' Tuna Macaroni Salad image

Creamy, full of texture and flavor, we loved this tuna macaroni salad. The chunks of white tuna make this a hearty salad. Onion and celery add a nice crunch. We really enjoyed the slightly sweet pop of flavor from the peas. In the warmer months, this will make a nice light lunch or dinner. Perfect for potlucks and picnics too.

Provided by Katrina Freed

Categories     Tuna Salads

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 c elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 box baby peas, frozen (about 3 cups)
1 can(s) solid white tuna packed in water (large family size can)
5 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
2 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
1/2 red onion
3 - 4 celery stalks
1 c real mayonaise
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
  • 2. Place frozen peas in a colander and run warm water over them to thaw; then drain well.
  • 3. When macaroni is done, rinse well in cold water to cool.
  • 4. Place all ingredients in a very large mixing bowl. Mix well.
  • 5. Chill, then serve.

GRANDMA BARBARA'S TUNA SALAD



Grandma Barbara's Tuna Salad image

Add this tuna pasta salad to your cookouts this summer. It's a combination of tuna, egg, and pasta salad all in one. Sweet, savory, and creamy, it's a delicious side dish. We love the fact it's chilled. We thought it tasted better after it sat for a bit and cold out of the fridge.

Provided by Lindsey McCue

Categories     Tuna Salads

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb box elbow macaroni pasta
3 can(s) packed tuna, drained (5 oz each)
3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 can(s) sweet peas, drained (small can)
5 oz jar green olives, halved
2 c Miracle Whip (plus more to taste)
2 tsp each - dried oregano, parsley, basil
garlic and onion powder, to taste
salt and pepper, to taste
sprinkle of paprika

Steps:

  • 1. Cook noodles as directed on package. Drain completely. Cool.
  • 2. Mix all ingredients (except paprika) together until well incorporated.
  • 3. Sprinkle paprika on top.
  • 4. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
  • 5. **Depending on how wet or dry you like it you may want to add extra Miracle Whip after it has chilled.

GRANDMA'S TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Grandma's Tuna Macaroni Salad image

This is the plain old fashioned macaroni salad my grandma used to make, which is still my sister Cathy's favorite.

Provided by Julesong

Categories     Tuna

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 can tuna in water, drained
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)
3/4 cup good mayonnaise (Best Foods, Helmann's, or Vegenaise)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions and let cool.
  • Mix in the other items well, adding mayo last.
  • Chill well before serving.
  • When I make this, I omit the celery, add more dried onion, and add a little curry powder and garlic powder and cayenne.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 307.7, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 32.9, Sodium 689.1, Carbohydrate 39.6, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 1.6, Protein 20.6

SARASOTA'S ... --THIS IS GRANDMA'S TUNA MACARONI SALAD--



Sarasota's ... --This is Grandma's Tuna Macaroni Salad-- image

The other day on one of the posts, someone had mentioned making tuna macaroni salad for dinner and I just love that salad but haven't had it in quite a while. However, I have had so many versions over the years that have "tons" of mayo and "no" flavor it made me not want to make it anymore. But, I thought it was worth posting what I was used to having growing up. So, after looking online, I really didn't find one that was what our family made, so here it is. Now, we always served our "Tuna Mac Salad" with a bowl of creamy tomato soup (tomatoes from the garden), a loaf of bread (it didn't matter what kind, grandmas recipe fresh baked), and the Macaroni Salad was served over a bed of fresh chopped lettuce, (iceberg back then), whereas, today I use a mix of romaine and iceberg. This is still the only version I make.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 , 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 (1 lb) box elbow macaroni (I prefer a rough cut or large elbow)
2 (7 ounce) cans tuna (Note ( First, I only use tuna in water, well drained. Second, I like a lot of tuna in my salad and )
1 cup frozen baby peas
1 medium onion, fine chopped
2 celery ribs, fine chopped (and don't throw out the celery leafs, they are just as good chopped and added to the salad)
2 hard-boiled eggs, fine diced
1/2 cup green pimento stuffed olive, cut in half
3 -4 tablespoons kosher dill pickles, chopped fine (more or less to taste)
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (no miracle whip or low fat)
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon pickle juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (more if you like)
1 teaspoon fresh dill
salt
pepper
paprika
1 sprig dill
1 hard-boiled egg, thin sliced

Steps:

  • Pasta -- Cook according to package directions. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl and let cool as you prepare the rest of the salad.
  • Salad -- Not too much to this. To the semi cooled pasta, add in the peas, celery, onion, olives, pickles, and egg.
  • Then in a small bowl, add the dressing ingredients - mayonnaise, parsley, dill, pickle juice, mustard, salt and pepper. I add all of the dressing (but I reserve a couple of spoons) to the pasta and toss well. I reserve a couple of spoons because after it chills, I like to add just a bit more to freshen it up. It really depends on how creamy you like the pasta. I prefer it not to be too mayo tasting. Last, I fold in the tuna because I don't want to break it up too much. Just fold in.
  • Chill -- Before serving. I cover well with plastic wrap and chill at least 30 minutes to an hour and then stir once more. Add that reserved dressing if you want and season with any additional salt and pepper.
  • Garnish and Serve -- I transfer to a pretty serving bowl, garnish with the remaining sliced egg, paprika and chopped dill. This was my Macaroni and Tuna Salad.
  • As I said, over a small bed of lettuce, a cup or bowl of creamy tomato soup, and homemade bread -- ENJOY!

GRANDMA WELLS' TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Grandma Wells' Tuna Macaroni Salad image

Kitty's birthday salad. Traditionally we have made this every July for years and years. Until Grandma Wells died, the kids never knew it was originally her recipe from the 1960s.

Provided by Katrina Freed

Categories     Tuna Salad

Time 55m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed
1 (5 ounce) can albacore tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup diced celery
1 cup cubed Cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped sweet pickle

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain macaroni and cool under running water.
  • Place macaroni into a large salad bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, green peas, tuna, celery, Cheddar cheese, red onion, and chopped sweet pickle until thoroughly combined. Chill and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355.4 calories, Carbohydrate 25.9 g, Cholesterol 28.1 mg, Fat 22.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 11.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 312.2 mg, Sugar 3.4 g

Tips:

  • To make the salad more creamy, use mayonnaise instead of plain yogurt.
  • For a crunchy salad, add chopped celery, carrots, or radishes.
  • If you don't have tuna, you can substitute cooked chicken or ham.
  • To make the salad more flavorful, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or horseradish.
  • For a lighter salad, use low-fat mayonnaise or yogurt.
  • For a vegetarian salad, omit the tuna and add more vegetables, such as chopped cucumber, bell pepper, or zucchini.

Conclusion:

Grandma Wells' Tuna Macaroni Salad is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and flaked tuna, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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