Description
Creamy Tuna Macaroni Salad brings summer picnic memories to life with its classic comfort blend. Cool pasta, zesty mayo, and flaky tuna create a perfect harmony that refreshes and satisfies hungry crowds at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 can (5 ounces/142 grams) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (75 grams) celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) dill pickles or relish
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pickle juice or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta by submerging macaroni in a pot of generously salted boiling water, following package timing guidelines. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Create a creamy base by whisking mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, tangy pickle juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Introduce drained tuna, finely diced celery, minced red onion, chopped pickles, and crumbled hard-boiled eggs into the dressing, gently folding the ingredients to ensure even coating.
- Thoroughly mix the ingredients, allowing each component to become saturated with the zesty dressing, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Transfer the salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and optionally sprinkle with a dusting of paprika or freshly chopped herbs for an elegant visual and aromatic enhancement.
Notes
- Rinse pasta thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure a clean, fresh taste in your salad.
- Drain tuna completely to avoid excess liquid making the salad watery and diluting the dressing.
- Choose low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the classic recipe.
- Add extra crunch by including diced bell peppers or chopped cucumber for more texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg