Tuna Macaroni Salad | Potluck

8 April 2024

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This easy tuna macaroni salad is full of creamy dressing, pasta, and crunchy celery , making it the perfect fun and classic dish for all your summer get-togethers!

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Table of Contents

Tuna Macaroni Salad Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
How to Make the Best Macaroni Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Storing this Macaroni Sald Recipe
More Recipes You’ll Love
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This simple tuna macaroni salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time you bring it out. With its perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and salty flavors, it’s super easy to whip up for a lunchbox treat or picnic meal.

Classic tuna macaroni salad is the epitome of a perfect dish, blending savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Its delicious taste, with a mix of tender pasta, flavorful tuna, and crisp vegetables, makes it a crowd-pleaser at any table.

Not only is it scrumptious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and steps to bring together a meal that everyone will love.

Tuna Macaroni Salad Ingredients

What you’ll need to make this tuna pasta salad recipe:

2 cups dried elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions and drained
2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna in water, drained
1½ cups mayonnaise
½ cup finely diced celery
½ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon dill
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Pro Tip

Be sure to select tuna packed in water, as tuna in oil could alter the salad’s texture.

Substitutions and Variations

These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this macaroni salad with tuna recipe!

ONION: Swap out the sweet yellow onion for finely diced red onion if you prefer.
MAYO: If you like, use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise in the tuna macaroni salad.
MIX-INS: Feel free to add more to this basic salad based on what you like. Some suggestions include cheddar cheese, green onions, hard-boiled eggs, or green peas.

How to Make the Best Macaroni Salad

Pro Tip

This dish can be prepared in advance. It should be refrigerated for at least one hour, and its flavor improves the longer it sits.

FIRST STEP: Using a large bowl, add the cooked macaroni pasta, canned tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced onion, sweet relish, dill, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Pro Tip

Gently combine the ingredients to avoid breaking the pasta pieces.

SECOND STEP: Cover well with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Basic ingredients and vibrant tastes turn this easy macaroni salad into a superb option for summer potlucks and barbecues. Featuring a homemade creamy dressing and a variety of tasty ingredients you can tailor to your preference, this easy recipe checks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this macaroni and tuna salad recipe ahead of time?

This tuna pasta salad should chill in the fridge for at least an hour, but letting it sit overnight is even better. It’s a great idea to prepare this recipe ahead of time.

What kind of canned tuna should I use?

Ensure you use tuna packed in water, as tuna packed in oil can alter the salad’s consistency and texture.

Can I add other veggies to this macaroni salad with tuna?

This fantastic recipe offers lots of room for personalization. Feel free to add or remove ingredients according to your tastes.

Storing this Macaroni Sald Recipe

IN THE FRIDGE: Keep any leftover macaroni salad in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing this pasta salad isn’t advised because the pasta gets soggy and the creamy dressing turns watery after defrosting.