Easy Macaroni Tuna Salad (Cold Pasta Salad Recipe)

Macaroni tuna salad hits the spot perfectly when you’re in the mood for something tasty that requires minimal effort. It’s a classic dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the delightful flavor of tuna, making it a go-to for warm days or potlucks. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize depending on what simple ingredients you have on hand.

Macaroni Tuna Salad in a blue bowl with sweet peas garnished with chopped parsley.

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This tuna pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to sneak in some veggies if you want to add a bit of crunch and color. Whether you enjoy it as an easy side dish with your favorite grilled items or as a light main dish, it’s a satisfying meal without being too heavy. Let’s dive into how you can whip this up in no time!

If you are searching for more pasta salad recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. A fun take on a classic dish to try is the deviled egg pasta salad. Or if you love tortellini, you could make a cold Italian tortellini salad recipe with pepperoni.

Still in the mood for more macaroni salad? Try this tasty Hawaiian macaroni salad.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: This macaroni tuna salad can be whipped up quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family reunions, or last-minute summer picnics.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily tailor this great recipe to your taste by adding extra vegetables, different seasonings, or even swapping tuna fish for a protein of your choice.
Delicious and Satisfying: The combination of creamy dressing and tender pasta creates a satisfying meal full of delicious flavor without being too heavy.
Great for Leftovers: This salad keeps well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it as a delicious lunch or snack the next day.

What’s in This Macaroni Tuna Salad Recipe?

Ingredients for macaroni tuna salad sitting on a white countertop.

Elbow Macaroni: This type of pasta is shaped like a small tube and is a favorite in many creamy salads due to its ability to hold onto dressings and flavors. Its bite-sized shape makes mixing easy and provides a comforting base for the salad.
Canned White Albacore Tuna in Water: Albacore tuna is a fantastic protein source known for its firm texture and mild flavor. Canned in water, it is convenient for quick meals and adds a delicious depth to the salad without overwhelming it.
Canned Sweet Peas: Sweet peas offer a pop of color and natural sweetness, harmoniously complementing the other ingredients. They are also a great source of vitamins and add a pleasant texture to the mix.
Celery: Celery provides a satisfying crunch and enhances the dish’s overall freshness. Its mild flavor balances richer ingredients and contributes valuable dietary fiber.
Sweet Onion: Using sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the salad. They are milder than yellow onions, ensuring the taste remains pleasing and non-overpowering.
Mayonnaise: This creamy dressing is the foundation of the salad’s sauce, binding all the ingredients together. You can opt for traditional mayonnaise or a lighter version, providing a rich, tangy flavor that enhances the dish.
Half and Half: Combining equal parts of milk and cream, half and half add creaminess without being too thick. It helps to lighten the texture of the dressing while maintaining a rich flavor.
Sweet Relish: This ingredient introduces a touch of tang and sweetness, balancing the savory elements of the salad. Its crisp texture and bright flavor enhance the overall taste profile.
Yellow Mustard: A key ingredient for adding a hint of sharpness, yellow mustard brings an extra layer of flavor to the dressing. Its acidity helps to cut through the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
Salt: A vital seasoning in any recipe, salt enhances the ingredients’ natural flavors. A pinch can elevate the dish, making all the taste components pop.
Black Pepper: This common spice adds a slight heat and depth of flavor to the salad. For a more robust taste, freshly cracked black pepper is preferable.
Paprika: This spice contributes a warm color to the dish and adds a mild spicy flavor. Depending on your preference, you can use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Hard Boiled Eggs: Chopped hard-boiled eggs lend extra protein and creaminess to the salad, making it more filling. They also provide a nice visual contrast against the other ingredients.

Topping:

Chopped Parsley or Green Onions: Fresh herbs like parsley or the bright green of chopped green onions add a burst of color and freshness to the salad. They not only enhance the presentation but also bring a subtle flavor boost.
Additional Sliced or Quartered Boiled Eggs for Garnish: Adding more eggs elevates the dish’s appearance, making it look more appetizing. It also reinforces the salad’s comforting nature, highlighting its heartiness.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Additions

Protein Alternatives: If tuna isn’t your preference, consider using canned chicken, chickpeas, or cooked shrimp for a different protein source.
Pasta Variations: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap it out for other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even whole wheat or gluten-free versions to suit your dietary needs.
Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value by adding other veggies such as diced red or green pepper, shredded carrots, green peas, or chopped spinach for extra color and crunch.
Creamy Dressings: For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier twist that still delivers creaminess.
Herb Flavours: Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil can be mixed in for a burst of flavor, elevating the dish’s freshness.
Cheese Option: Shredded cheddar or crumbled feta can add a deliciously tangy or sharp note to your salad.
Nutty Crunch: For added texture, consider tossing in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or slivered almonds, which will complement the creamy dressing beautifully.

How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad (step-by-step directions)

Collage of cooking the salad and mixing the tuna mixture.

Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. If desired, add salt to the water for extra flavor. Drain the pasta in a colander and transfer it to a large bowl to cool. (Photos 1 & 2)
In another large mixing bowl, combine the flaky tuna, sweet peas, celery, onion, mayonnaise, half and half, sweet relish, yellow mustard, and seasonings. Mix everything together until well combined. (Photos 3 & 4)

Collage of creating tuna macaroni salad.

Pour the mixture over the cooked pasta and fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Gently toss with a wooden spoon until the pasta is evenly coated in the dressing, taking care not to break the eggs. (Photos 5, 6 & 7)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to let the flavors meld. For the best taste, chill it overnight.
If desired, garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley before serving. Enjoy chilled! (Photo 8)

A bowl of Macaroni Tuna Salad topped with chopped parsley.

Recipe Tips

Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook the pasta just until al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Cool the Pasta: After draining, let the pasta cool completely before combining it with the other ingredients to avoid wilting the vegetables.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your salad before serving and adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. You can add extra salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Flavor Enhancements: Consider incorporating spices such as garlic powder or cayenne pepper into the dressing for an extra kick.
Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables make a noticeable difference in taste.
Mix Thoroughly: When combining the salad ingredients, ensure everything is mixed thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
Taste Test: Always perform a taste test after mixing everything—this is the perfect opportunity to balance out the dressing’s acidity and sweetness.

Storing Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep your Tuna Macaroni Salad fresh and delicious. The salad can typically last for up to 3-5 days when properly stored. It’s important to stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing, as it may separate or settle during storage.

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the creamy dressing and vegetables can become watery and lose their texture once thawed. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider saving any uneaten pasta or dressing separately to maintain the dish’s quality. Enjoy your salad chilled for the best flavor!

A blue plate with Macaroni Tuna Salad with sweet peas and chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Tuna Macaroni Salad pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments, making it a versatile option for any meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for a healthy contrast or with crispy potato chips for a satisfying crunch.

For a heartier meal, it complements barbecue dishes, such as baked chicken Parmesan or ribs, adding a refreshing touch. You might also enjoy it alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to enhance the meal’s freshness.

Additionally, warm garlic bread or garlic rolls can round out your spread, providing a perfect vehicle for the creamy salad.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Tuna Macaroni Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time! In fact, it’s often recommended to refrigerate it for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

What type of tuna should I use?

Depending on your preference, you can use canned chunk tuna or tuna in oil. The type of tuna will affect the flavor and texture, with tuna in oil providing a richer taste.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! To keep it completely plant-based, you can replace the tuna with chickpeas or tofu for protein and use vegan mayonnaise for the dressing.

How can I adjust the creaminess of the salad?

You can adjust the level of creaminess by varying the amount of mayonnaise or half-and-half you use. For a lighter version, use more Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayo.

Can I add fruits to the salad?

Yes, incorporating fruits like diced apples or grapes can add a nice sweet contrast to the savory elements of the salad, creating a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

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One Comment

Kim Schob says:

August 13, 2024 at 6:34 am

Thank you for visiting! I hope you all enjoy this recipe.