Name: Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounce box elbow macaroni; 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sweet pickle relish; ½ tablespoon celery seed (more or less, to taste); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice; 3 (5 ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained well; 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1 shallot, diced; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

If you’re on the hunt for a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh that makes it a beloved classic at potlucks, lunches, and family dinners. With every bite, you get tender elbow macaroni enrobed in a zesty dressing, mixed with the satisfying flavors of tuna, sweet pickle relish, and crisp peas, all tied together with a hint of lemon and just the right amount of celery seed. This is truly a Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe that never fails to impress and comforts like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with layers of ingredients for a salad. The first bowl contains a base layer of cooked yellow elbow macaroni topped with a thick, creamy white dressing that has small bits and a light sprinkling of black pepper. The second bowl has the same base layers of macaroni and creamy dressing, then is added with finely chopped hard yellow and white egg pieces on one side, and a mound of bright green peas positioned prominently in the center, with some small diced white onion pieces visible near the eggs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient here is handpicked to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe. From the creamy mayonnaise to the tender peas, every item plays a key role in taking this simple salad to the next level.

16 ounce box elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds the dressing beautifully and offers that familiar chewy bite.
1 cup mayonnaise: Provides creamy richness that binds all the elements together with smooth, tangy flavor.
½ cup sweet pickle relish: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture, giving a delightful contrast.
½ Tablespoon celery seed: Brings a warm, slightly bitter note that elevates the overall taste; adjust to your liking.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish, balancing sweetness and acidity perfectly.
½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice that livens up the salad.
1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice: A splash of brightness for freshness and zesty lift.
3 (5 ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained well: The hearty protein base, flaky and mild, ensures this salad is satisfying and substantial.
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: Adds creaminess and a comforting, soft texture that complements the tuna.
1 shallot, diced: Mildly sharp with a hint of sweetness, this ingredient uplifts the salad with aromatic depth.
1 cup frozen peas, thawed: Bursts of sweetness and vibrant green color brighten the salad visually and flavor-wise.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Properly cooked pasta is the foundation here; it should be tender but still have a slight bite, so it doesn’t turn mushy once combined with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This dressing is the heart of your Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe, packing the perfect punch of tang and creaminess.

Step 3: Add Tuna to the Dressing

Gently stir in the drained tuna cans into your dressing base. Breaking it up just enough ensures each bite gets delicious tuna without it turning into a mushy pile.

Step 4: Cool and Mix Pasta

After the macaroni is cooked, drain it well and rinse with cold water until completely cooled. This stops the cooking process and prevents clumping. Transfer pasta into a large bowl before adding the dressing mixture.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Pour the tuna-mayo dressing over the cooled macaroni, then fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced shallot, and thawed peas. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta and vegetable is coated beautifully. This harmonious mix is what makes the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe so memorable.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a couple of hours. Chilling allows all the flavors to meld and develop fully, so the salad tastes even better the next day.

How to Serve Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

The image shows two clear glass bowls side by side on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left contains four distinct layers: a bottom layer of diced green pickles, a white creamy layer sitting beside the pickles, sprinkled with coarse black pepper on top, and some golden-yellow oil covering parts of the mix. The bowl on the right has a creamy white base with fine black pepper mixed in, topped with a generous pile of pinkish, shredded cooked salmon pieces that add rough texture and color contrast against the smooth cream underneath. Both bowls are filled to about the same level, clearly showing the layers inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. A few paprika flakes or a light drizzle of olive oil also add beautiful color and extra flavor contrast for a vibrant presentation.

Side Dishes

This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crisp green salads, or simply with crusty bread for a light but satisfying meal. It’s also fantastic alongside picnic staples like deviled eggs or baked beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant touch. You can also layer it in clear jars for a colorful presentation that’s perfect for potlucks or packed lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making leftovers a delicious next-day treat.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise and peas tend to separate and change texture after thawing, which can affect the overall creaminess and freshness of the salad.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so never heat it up. Instead, let refrigerated leftovers sit out for about 10 minutes before serving if you prefer less chill.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like rotini or shells also work wonderfully and hold the dressing well.

How can I make this salad lighter or healthier?

You can swap regular mayonnaise for a light or Greek yogurt-based version to reduce calories while keeping the creamy texture intact.

Is it possible to prepare this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe in advance?

Yes! Preparing it a few hours or even a day ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully, just keep it well-covered and refrigerated.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

For sure! Diced celery, bell peppers, or shredded carrots are great crunchy additions that complement the existing flavors.

What’s the best way to drain tuna for the salad?

Use a fine mesh strainer and gently press down to remove excess liquid without mashing the tuna, so it stays flaky and fresh in the salad.

Final Thoughts

This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style. Its simplicity is what makes it so special, and every element comes together in a way that feels both nostalgic and deliciously refreshing. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try for your next gathering or weekday lunch—you’ll see why it’s a longtime favorite!