Tuna Macaroni Salad: Creamy, Protein-Packed, and Make-Ahead Perfect
Are you looking for an easy, delicious tasty recipe that can be used for picnics, meal preparation as well as potlucks? The Tuna Macaroni Salad is a classic comfort food. It’s rich in protein, creamy, and easy to alter. If you’re preparing for the week ahead, planning a BBQ meal, or simply looking for a quick meal for the family, This easy-to-make salad will be your top choice.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Macaroni Salad
This delicious salad combines the sweetness of tuna as well as the pleasing taste of the pasta, and the flavor of fresh vegetables as well as pickles. It’s:
- The recipe is budget-friendly and made using pantry essentials
- Modifiable to suit dietary preferences
- Ideal for storing food and storage during the week
- Fantastic served chilled to warm cold weather meals.
- It is a hit at potlucks, picnics, and casual dinners.
Ingredients
Make use of these easy and fresh ingredients to make a delicious Tuna Mac Salad:
- 2 Cups prepared elbow macaroni
- 1 (5-7 1 oz) Tuna can be canned that has been drained (in water or oil)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (sub-Greek yogurt for lighter versions)
- 1 Tbsp mustard (optional for the tang)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup of sweet relish or chopped pickles
- 1 Cup of cooked green beans, peas, or cooked peas (optional)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, cut (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of pickle (or lemon juice to your taste (optional)
Pro Tips: You can scale this recipe by using the 3x or 2x versions for larger quantities.
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta.
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water until it is all at a good al dente. Rinse and drain under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Dressing:
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice or pickle juice for a brighter taste.
- Mix all elements:
- Add tuna, pasta celery, red onion beans (or beans), as well as pickles and chopped eggs. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated.
- Chill:
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to mix perfectly.
Notes
- Tuna label: Use a top-quality tuna that is olive oil for the most flavorful. If you are using tuna cooked in water or lower-grade oil, drain it and mix in your extra virgin olive oil.
- Enhance it:
- Like any good soup, this one will taste better the following day. It is best to chill it overnight to enhance its flavor. It’s also possible to stir in some lemon juice or olive oil before serving to add freshness.
- leftovers
- Please place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Tuna Macaroni Salad: Creamy, Protein-Packed, and Make-Ahead Perfect
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the pasta.
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water until it is all at a good al dente. Rinse and drain under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Dressing: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice or pickle juice for a brighter taste.
- Mix all elements: Add tuna, pasta celery, red onion beans (or beans), as well as pickles and chopped eggs. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated.
- Chill: Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to mix perfectly.
Notes
- Tuna label: Use a top-quality tuna that is olive oil for the most flavorful. If you are using tuna cooked in water or lower-grade oil, drain it and mix in your extra virgin olive oil.
- Enhance it:
- Like any good soup, this one will taste better the following day. It is best to chill it overnight to enhance its flavor. It’s also possible to stir in some lemon juice or olive oil before serving to add freshness.
- leftovers
Variations You’ll Love
- Deli-style Tuna Mac Salad: Mix in chopped bell peppers and chopped parsley to give it a fresh crunch.
- Tuna Mayo Salad: The mayo should be increased and include the zest of a lemon to enhance the flavor.
- Tuna Macaroni Salad with Pickles and Peas: The flavor is sweet, tangy, and deliciously texturally.
- Tuna Egg Mac Salad: Perfect for meal preparation and loaded with additional protein from hard-boiled eggs that have been chopped.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx)
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16.5g
- Protein: 37.3g
- Fat: 20.7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
- Sodium: 589mg
- Fiber: 5.3g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Calcium: 125mg
- Iron: 4mg
Nutrition can vary slightly depending on the ingredients used.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This salad is more than just a quick fix; it’s an absolute crowd-pleasing dish. Serve it in:
- BBQs
- Potlucks
- Summer picnics
- Lunch boxes packed
- Weeknight dinners
It’s convenient to make ahead, and its reliable taste makes it an ideal choice at any time.
Conclusion
The true appeal of Tuna Macaroni Salad is its ease of preparation, flexibility, and comfort. Whether you’re cooking the traditional creamy recipe, adding your spin, or preparing ahead for the week, the dish is always a hit.
Give it a shot. You might get your next favorite pre-made salad!
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