Best 7 Refreshing Summer Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipes

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In the realm of summer cookouts and potlucks, there's one dish that reigns supreme: tuna macaroni salad. This classic dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, with tender tuna, al dente macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste, making it a favorite among home cooks and partygoers alike.

This article presents a collection of refreshing summer cold tuna macaroni salad recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From classic recipes that stay true to tradition to modern twists that incorporate unique ingredients and bold flavors, there's a recipe here for every palate. So gather your ingredients, grab your apron, and let's dive into the world of tuna macaroni salad.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

COLD MACARONI AND TUNA SALAD



Cold Macaroni and Tuna Salad image

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

3 eggs
2 ¾ cups macaroni
½ (10 ounce) package frozen English peas
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

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 TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad image

A tuna and macaroni salad best served on a sunny summer day with a fresh muffin on the side.

Provided by D

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
3 tomatoes - peeled, seeded and diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 (12 ounce) can tuna
1 ½ cups light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Italian-style salad dressing
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 pinch ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, celery and tuna.
  • Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, salad dressing, sugar and pepper. Add to pasta salad, mix together, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499.3 calories, Carbohydrate 52.7 g, Cholesterol 37.8 mg, Fat 22 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 22.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 495.4 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

REFRESHING SUMMER COLD TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Refreshing Summer Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad image

This is my family's go to meal during the summer. I make a huge batch of it and we all eat it around the pool all Memorial weekend. I've used Cavatappi pasta instead of elbow macaroni this time so that the cute curly Cavatappi's ridges can grab more tuna. Enjoy!

Provided by Deni Elwood

Categories     Salads

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 box 1 lb macaroni, elbow or cavatappi pasta
2 can(s) 12 oz water packed tuna
1 jar(s) 14 oz sweet pickle relish
1 jar(s) 15 oz. miracle whip
salt & pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Bring pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add pasta to boiling water. Stir and let boil for 8-10 minutes. Remove Pasta from pot, drain well then rinse while in colander with cold water from your tap. After pasta is completely cooled, drain well and pour into large bowl.
  • 2. While pasta is boiling, rough chop a large sweet onion.
  • 3. Empty the contents of the sweet relish into bowl with pasta and stir. Add the chopped onion and mix into pasta mixture.
  • 4. Open both cans of tuna and drain well. Empty the cans of tuna, breaking up the tuna as you do. Mix well into pasta mixture. Add the jar of Miracle Whip and mix completely with pasta, relish and onion.
  • 5. Refrigerate the pasta salad until very cool. Before serving, stir again and add salt and pepper to taste. I like to use sea salt for the taste.
  • 6. Hint: Sometimes the salad becomes dry (due to the pasta absorbing the liquid), so before serving if it is a little dry, add a small amount of milk to the pasta salad and mix well.

COLD MACARONI TUNA SALAD



Cold Macaroni Tuna Salad image

This is the ANSWER for me on a hot summer day. I could eat the whole bowl. Usually serve on lettuce with a tall glass of lemonade.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 hard-boiled eggs, diced
3 cups macaroni, uncooked
1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed and drained
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
1/2-1 cup mayonnaise (the amount depends on how moist or dry you like your salad)
1/4 teaspoon salt ("or" to taste)
1/8 teaspoon pepper ("or" to taste)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain in colander and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large bowl, place the macaroni and peas.
  • Add the eggs and tuna; mix well.
  • Mix together mayo, salt, and pepper.
  • Add to tuna mixture a little at a time; mix well.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

TUNA-MACARONI SALAD



Tuna-Macaroni Salad image

Perfect for a simple summer supper or as a main-dish potluck contribution, this tuna noodle salad is a comfort food classic that comes together in just 20 minutes. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or other cool, crisp greens, and pair it with some crusty bread for a satisfying and refreshing entrée.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (7 oz) elbow macaroni
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz), if desired
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, if desired
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 medium stalk celery, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni as directed on package, adding peas for last 4 to 6 minutes of cooking; rinse with cold water and drain.
  • In large bowl, mix macaroni, peas and remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fat 5 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 14 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving (about 1 cup), Sodium 650 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

COLD TUNA SALAD



Cold Tuna Salad image

This is such a great refeshing dish for the summer.It makes a great light lunch or dinner.I usually serve it on a bed of lettuce and crackers or with some slice vegetables (tomatoes,cucumbers carrots). You can adjust this to your taste.

Provided by Aunt Bs

Categories     Tuna

Time 23m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) elbow macaroni (or twisted pasta)
1 cup mayonnaise (more or less)
1 (6 ounce) tuna in water, drained (I use 2 cans)
1 hard-boiled egg (optional)
3/4 cup chopped onion (I like vidalias)
3/4 cup chopped dill pickle
1 tablespoon celery seed (or 1/2 cup fresh chopped)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to directions, drain.
  • In large bowl add macaroni and remaining ingredients.
  • Mix well.
  • Refrigerate till chilled or cold,.
  • As it sits in the refrigerater, the noodles "absorb" some of the mayonnaise and you might want to add alittle more before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 534.2, Fat 22.4, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 34, Sodium 936.2, Carbohydrate 64, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 7.1, Protein 19.7

FRESH SUMMER PASTA SALAD



Fresh Summer Pasta Salad image

While preparing lunch, I made this summer pasta salad for dinner. It was fast and easy; delicious and colorful. We love to enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies in season. I served this salad with almond crackers and sharp cheddar slices. So tasty! -Cathy Orban, Chandler, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups uncooked campanelle or spiral pasta
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 medium peaches, chopped
1 pouch (11 ounces) light tuna in water
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup julienned cucumber
1/2 cup julienned zucchini
1/2 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup grated red cabbage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups Caesar salad dressing

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain well. Transfer to a large bowl. Add carrots, peaches, tuna, celery, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, salt and pepper. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 3 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 calories, Fat 23g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 651mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh tuna, cooked macaroni, and crisp vegetables are essential.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a variety of vegetables to add flavor and texture to the salad. Some good options include celery, onion, cucumber, and bell pepper.
  • Season the salad to taste with salt, pepper, and mayonnaise. You can also add other seasonings, such as dill, parsley, or lemon juice.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Cold tuna macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is also a great way to use up leftover tuna. The next time you are looking for a refreshing and delicious summer meal, give this cold tuna macaroni salad a try.

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