Tuna macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. It is a simple dish to make, and it can be easily customized to your liking. This recipe features a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, but you can also use a vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing. The salad is also loaded with vegetables, such as celery, onion, and cucumber, which add crunch and flavor. And of course, no tuna macaroni salad is complete without a generous helping of tuna. This recipe uses canned tuna, but you can also use fresh or grilled tuna if you prefer.
In addition to the classic tuna macaroni salad recipe, this article also includes recipes for a variety of other tuna macaroni salads, such as a Mediterranean tuna macaroni salad, a spicy tuna macaroni salad, and a healthy tuna macaroni salad. So whether you are looking for a classic tuna macaroni salad recipe or something a little different, you are sure to find a recipe in this article that you will enjoy.
TUNA MACARONI SALAD
"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
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.
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
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
TUNA MACARONI SALAD
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
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!).
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
TUNA MACARONI SALAD
A top tip for this Tuna Macaroni Salad, soaking raw onions in cold water for 15 minutes helps mellow their flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta until al dente, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain, then transfer to large bowl to cool slightly.
- While pasta cools, soak onion in cold water. Drain, then stir into pasta along with celery, celery leaves, jalapeno and tuna. Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, relish and mustard. Toss with pasta mixture and season to taste. Refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.
TUNA AND MACARONI SALAD
This tuna and macaroni salad is a family favorite throughout the year. I like to make this the night before, refrigerate, and let the flavors blend together. Serve over lettuce or as a side dish.
Provided by Beth Urban
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Add peas and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Drain pasta and peas and chill quickly by rinsing with cold water.
- Transfer pasta and peas to a large bowl. Mix in tuna, celery, green onion, dill, and carrot until well blended.
- Mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Blend into macaroni mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 419.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.8 g, Cholesterol 23 mg, Fat 23.3 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 17.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 283.4 mg, Sugar 3.3 g
GARDEN TUNA MACARONI SALAD
"I knew this recipe was a hit the first time I served it at a barbecue and got wonderful compliments," recalls Scarlett Hilton in Sabina, Ohio. "I even got a phone call afterward suggesting that I open a restaurant!" We have to agree this cool, creamy and crunchy salad really is delicious.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine tuna, vegetables and parsley. Drain macaroni and rinse in cold water; add to tuna mixture., In a small bowl, combine Miracle Whip, ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Facts :
TANGY TUNA MACARONI SALAD
A well-seasoned vinegar, mayonnaise and yogurt dressing perks up this chilled tuna and macaroni salad. Green peas, parsley and olives add color to the medley. -Ruth Peterson, Jenison, Michigan
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package direction; drain and rinse in cold water. In a serving bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, tuna, peas, parsley and olives. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; add to tuna mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 163 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 540mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
COLD MACARONI TUNA SALAD
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
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.
AMELIA'S TUNA MACARONI SALAD
This macaroni salad will remind you of Grandma's. I love this when the weather is warm. One of the basic comfort foods!
Provided by Peach822
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
- In a large bowl, stir together the macaroni, tuna, celery, onion and peas. Mix in the mayonnaise, relish, salt and pepper. Garnish with egg wedges and a sprinkle of paprika. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 582 calories, Carbohydrate 51.6 g, Cholesterol 126.2 mg, Fat 33.4 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 18.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 416 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
MACARONI AND TUNA FISH SALAD
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
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
GRANDMA WELLS' TUNA MACARONI SALAD
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 Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
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
COOL AS A CUCUMBER TUNA MACARONI SALAD
Great picnic salad or serve over a bed of greens for a cool lunch. Prep time includes time to let the cucumbers sit in salt.
Provided by Parsley
Categories Vegetable
Time 25m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Sprinkle the diced cucumber with the 1/2 tsp of salt and let sit in a collander over a bowl for about 20 minutes to draw out the liquid. Shake off any extra liquid.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to the package. Drain and rinse with icy cold water. Drain well.
- Place the cooked, cooled macaroni in a large bowl.
- Add the halved tomatoes, onion, tuna, dill, pepper and then the cucumbers that have been sitting in the salt.
- Gently mix together.
- Stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk. Mix everything well.
- Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Taste and add more salt if needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 235, Fat 9.3, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 17.3, Sodium 392, Carbohydrate 28.8, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 3, Protein 9.4
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.
REFRESHING SUMMER COLD TUNA MACARONI SALAD
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
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.
TUNA TWIST (TUNA MACARONI SALAD)
After discovering this recipe I never make macaroni salad any other way. I sometimes used canned white chicken. After reading the comments on the dill I want to mention that the original recipe called called for 3 tablespoons of dried dill! Can you imagine.....I would change the name to dill salad!
Provided by shells75
Categories Tuna
Time 30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to directions.
- Put frozen peas in colander and drain pasta over peas.
- In large bowl mix mayonnaise and vinegar.
- Add pasta and peas and mix well.
- Add remaining ingredients mixing well.
- Taste to adjust seasonings.
- Place in fridge for flavors to blend (or eat as is if you can't wait).
- You might want to add additional mayonnaise after salad has been refrigerated, because some of the mayonnaise will "soak" into pasta.
- *This is the amount of vinegar the original recipe calls for -- I have been cutting down to one tablespoon.
SARASOTA'S ... --THIS IS GRANDMA'S TUNA MACARONI SALAD--
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
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!
COLD TUNA MACARONI SALAD
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
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
SEACOAST SALAD (TUNA MACARONI)
This is a very old recipe that I originally got off of the side of a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese more than 25 years ago. I make this when I tire of plain tuna macaroni and want all the "junk" back in it! LOL! When you get bored, too, this is a nice change of pace! Very easy to make. (*Since Kraft has changed their formula so much over the years, I now use Velveeta Shells and Cheese, or make homemade macaroni and cheese using the velveeta recipe.) So whatever you prefer is what you should use. HTH! :)
Provided by Wildflour
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Make shells and cheese according to package directions, or make your own (same amount.).
- Add remaining ingredients, mixing lightly. Chill.
- Add additional Miracle Whip (or mayo) before serving if needed.
Tips:
- Use high-quality tuna: Opt for tuna that is packed in water or olive oil and is sustainably sourced. Solid white albacore tuna is considered the best choice for tuna macaroni salad.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: This will ensure that the macaroni retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Use a variety of vegetables: Celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish are classic additions to tuna macaroni salad, but you can also add other vegetables like chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even corn.
- Use a creamy dressing: Mayonnaise is the traditional base for tuna macaroni salad dressing, but you can also use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a combination of these ingredients to create a lighter and healthier dressing.
- Season the salad well: Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice are essential for bringing out the flavors of the salad. You can also add other seasonings like dried dill, parsley, or paprika to taste.
- Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and will make the salad more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Tuna macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy dressing, tender macaroni, and flavorful tuna, it's a dish that is sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're serving it at a potluck, a picnic, or a backyard barbecue, tuna macaroni salad is a dish that is sure to be a hit.
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