Ah, Tuna Macaroni Salad! This dish brings back a flood of summer memories for me. While growing up, my mom would whip this up for family picnics and potlucks. It was always a hit at gatherings, and the best part? It’s super simple to make! You can put it together in no time, and you’re bound to impress everyone around you. The combination of tender pasta, flaky tuna, and crunchy veggies tossed in a creamy dressing is just the perfect dish to enjoy on warm days or even as a hearty lunch.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can jazz it up with different herbs or throw in whatever veggies you have left in the fridge. It’s a lifesaver for meal prep too—just make a big batch, and you’ve got lunch ready for the week! So let’s dive into how to make this delightful Tuna Macaroni Salad!
What’s in Tuna Macaroni Salad?
Elbow Macaroni: The star of the show! These little pasta tubes are perfect for holding on to that creamy dressing. Plus, they cook up quickly and are always a childhood favorite for many.
Tuna: I always go for a can (5 oz) of **solid white tuna** packed in water. It’s just flakier and so much easier to work with. Be sure to drain it well to keep things from getting too soggy.
Celery: Diced celery adds the perfect crunch. I like to chop mine up small so that every bite feels balanced.
Red Onion: The finely chopped red onion adds a bit of sharpness and color to the salad. If you’re sensitive to its bite, you can soak the finely chopped onions in cold water for a few minutes—they will lose that harshness!
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our dressing! You can use regular or light mayonnaise, depending on your preference.
Dijon Mustard: A little bit of this adds a punch of flavor; it’s totally optional, but trust me, it elevates the whole dish!
Lemon Juice: A splash of this brightens everything up, giving the salad a fresh zing.
Garlic Powder: This adds just enough warmth without overpowering. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to use fresh garlic instead!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for rounding off the flavors. Don’t skip these!
Sweet Pickle Relish: Optional, but if you love a touch of sweetness, it’s an excellent addition. I think it gives a nostalgic taste, bringing back memories of family cookouts.
Chopped Parsley: A bright green garnish that adds a fresh finish. Totally optional, but it makes the dish look fancy!
Is Tuna Macaroni Salad Good for You?
Well, like any dish, it has its pros and cons.
Elbow Macaroni: While it’s a source of carbohydrates for energy, you might want to keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if you’re watching your carb intake.
Tuna: This is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for heart health. Just ensure you choose lower mercury options more often, especially for kids and pregnant women.
Celery and Red Onion: These veggies add fiber and a host of vitamins while being low in calories—definitely a plus in my book!
Now, mayonnaise is delicious and creamy, but it can be high in calories and fat. If you want to lighten it up a notch, you could swap some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that’s equally delicious!
So enjoy this salad in moderation, and it can definitely be part of a balanced diet!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional)
– Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Serves: 4-6
How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad?
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling merrily, add in the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to drain it and give it a rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it off.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled macaroni, flaked tuna, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and sweet pickle relish if you’re feeling adventurous!
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Pour this creamy dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently fold everything together until it’s well mixed and all the noodles are beautifully coated.
5. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, every palate is different, so make it just how you like it!
6. Cover the bowl and let your salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is key; it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and dig in!
Delicious Tuna Macaroni Variations & Serving Suggestions
Okay, let’s talk about some fun twists you can try with this salad. Add some frozen peas or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. If you love a little spice, a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños could liven things up!
Another favorite of mine is to add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Slice them up and toss them in right after mixing the dressing, and they’re bound to make your salad feel extra special.
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is perfect for a picnic, a BBQ, or even a quick weekday lunch. Serve it alongside some fresh fruit or crunchy chips, and you’re golden!
I’m so excited for you to make this Tuna Macaroni Salad. It’s a classic that never goes out of style. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to share your experience! Happy cooking!
