Best 7 The Best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Tuna macaroni salad is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick and easy weeknight meal. There are many different recipes for tuna macaroni salad, but they all typically include tuna, macaroni, mayonnaise, and celery. Some recipes also include hard-boiled eggs, pickles, onions, or bell peppers. Tuna macaroni salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. For a creamy salad, use more mayonnaise. For a lighter salad, use less mayonnaise and add more vegetables. You can also add different seasonings to taste, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. This article will provide three recipes for tuna macaroni salad: a classic recipe, a lightened-up recipe, and a recipe with a twist.

The classic recipe is a simple and straightforward tuna macaroni salad that is sure to please everyone. The lightened-up recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, making it a healthier option. The recipe with a twist adds some unexpected ingredients, such as avocado and bacon, for a unique and flavorful salad. No matter which recipe you choose, you are sure to enjoy this delicious and versatile dish.

Let's cook with our recipes!

TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Tuna Macaroni Salad image

"This jazzed-up tuna recipe came from a nutritionist I worked with at a prenatal clinic," writes Mary pat Eck from Cincinnati, Ohio. "It's so full of protein and flavor that we shared it with many of our clients."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 cup cooked small pasta shells
1 can (5 ounces) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons pickle relish, drained
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
Lettuce leaves

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard and salt; stir into tuna mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve on lettuce-lined plates.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 347 calories, Fat 11g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 156mg cholesterol, Sodium 1259mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 35g protein.

TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Tuna Macaroni Salad image

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

3 cups uncooked macaroni
⅓ cup Italian-style salad dressing
½ cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained

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

SIMPLE TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Simple Tuna Macaroni Salad image

This macaroni salad is a simple and delicious combination of tuna with chopped vegetables. Use cooked shell pasta or elbows in the salad.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Entree     Side Dish     Lunch     Salad

Time 28m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces small shell macaroni (or elbow macaroni)
1 (6-ounce) can tuna (drained, flaked)
3/4 cup mayonnaise (or more, as needed to moisten)
2 tablespoons onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup celery (chopped)
1/4 cup red bell pepper (or green or a combination, chopped)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cover bowl and chill until serving time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289 kcal, Carbohydrate 13 g, Cholesterol 23 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 646 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 22 g, ServingSize 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Tuna Macaroni Salad image

You'll crave this salad once you try it, this also works well with chicken in place of the tuna, please do not omit the sweet pickles they *make* this salad! adjust all amounts to suit taste, plan ahead this needs to chill before serving, cooking time is chilling time

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Tuna

Time 3h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained (can use 3 cans)
4 -5 green onions, chopped or 1 onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 1/2 cups chopped sweet pickles (can use more or less, do not squeeze out any juice from the pickles)
1 cup mayonnaise (I use half of each) or 1 cup salad dressing (I use half of each)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (optional or to taste)
1 tablespoon garlic powder (yes 1 tablespoon or even 1-1/2 tablespoons!)
1 -2 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste, or use white salt)
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 -4 hard-boiled eggs (quartered) (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender; drain then rinse well under cold water; place in a bowl then toss with 1 tablespoon oil to prevent sticking.
  • Add in tuna, onion, bell pepper, celery and sweet pickles; toss to combine.
  • In a bowl mix together mayonnaise with sour cream, sweet relish (if using) garlic powder, yellow mustard (start with 1 tablespoon mustard) and seasoned salt; add to the macaroni mixture; mix well to combine.
  • Season with black pepper to taste.
  • Arrange the cooked egg wedges around the inside of the bowl, then dust the top of the salad and eggs lightly with paprika.
  • Cover and chill at least 3 hours before serving (the longer chilling time the better!).

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

THE BEST MACARONI SALAD YOU WILL EVER HAVE!!



The BEST Macaroni Salad You Will EVER Have!! image

This macaroni salad has been in my family for generations. and I have never had anyone say they don't love it! I have friends who constantly ask me for the recipe, yet I have never given it out....until now. This salad is the BEST macaroni salad in the world, you just gotta try it to believe me! Please rate if you like it! I love to serve this with hamburgers or bratwurst on a summer day! This goes very well at any party and even at Thanksgiving!

Provided by nyghtspydr

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 (12 ounce) can tuna in water, drained and flaked
6 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
1 large white onion, finely chopped
1 cucumber, finely chopped
3 cups creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip®)
½ cup 2% milk
¼ cup white sugar, or to taste
3 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ tablespoons ground black pepper, or to taste
½ tablespoon salt, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool completely; drain.
  • Mix macaroni, tuna, eggs, tomatoes, onion, and cucumber in a large mixing bowl.
  • Whisk salad dressing and milk together in a separate bowl until smooth. Beat sugar, mustard, pepper, and salt into the dressing mixture; pour over the macaroni mixture and stir to coat.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367.3 calories, Carbohydrate 38.1 g, Cholesterol 115.9 mg, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 13.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 761.6 mg, Sugar 13.3 g

MACARONI AND TUNA FISH SALAD



Macaroni and Tuna Fish Salad image

In a rush and need something delicious and tummy-filling? This recipe is great for working parents whose children are constantly scouring the refrigerator for food to munch on.

Provided by DAJUICEMANCE

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 23m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
3 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste
1 onion, finely chopped
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
1 pinch dried oregano, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and cool under running water.
  • Mix both cans of tuna into the cooled pasta. Add the mayonnaise. Stir in onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 301.2 calories, Carbohydrate 44.8 g, Cholesterol 11.4 mg, Fat 5.7 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 16.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 66.5 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality tuna. Canned tuna is a great option, but look for tuna that is packed in water and not oil. You can also use fresh tuna if you prefer.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor and texture to the salad. Some good options include celery, onion, cucumber, and tomatoes.
  • Use a creamy dressing. This will help to bind the salad together and make it more flavorful. You can use mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt as a base for your dressing.
  • Season the salad to taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options.
  • Chill the salad before serving. This will help to develop the flavors and make it more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Tuna macaroni salad is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make the best tuna macaroni salad that everyone will love.

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