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 black 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

There’s just something about a well-made Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe that brings instant comfort and satisfaction. This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with creamy mayonnaise, tuna packed with protein, and a delightful mix of crunchy and fresh textures, resulting in a classic American favorite that never disappoints. Every bite bursts with balanced flavors, from the tang of pickle relish to the subtle zest of lemon juice, making it perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a quick lunch fix.

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

The beauty of this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s adding creaminess, crunch, freshness, or a hint of spice. Together, they create a salad that’s colorful, flavorful, and downright addictive.

Elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The perfect pasta shape for catching every bit of dressing and mix-ins.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): Provides the creamy base that brings everything together smoothly.
Sweet pickle relish (½ cup): Adds a playful sweetness and crunch that brightens the dish.
Celery seed (½ Tablespoon): A secret touch that gives a subtle, earthy depth balancing the flavors.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the ingredients and brings out their natural flavors.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick for a perfectly seasoned taste.
Fresh squeezed lemon juice (1 Tablespoon): Brightens the salad with a fresh, tangy lift.
Canned tuna (3 cans, 5 ounces each): The star protein, drained well for the best texture and flavor.
Hard-boiled eggs (3, chopped): Creamy and rich pieces that complement the tuna beautifully.
Diced shallot (1): Brings a mild onion flavor with a slight crunch for contrast.
Frozen peas (1 cup, thawed): Adds a pop of color and sweet freshness that keeps the salad lively.

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 Your Macaroni

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Once it’s perfectly tender, drain it well, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad. This step ensures your macaroni won’t get mushy and keeps every bite pleasantly firm.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, salt, black pepper, and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Stir these ingredients well, creating a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, crucial for the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe’s unmistakable charm.

Step 3: Add the Tuna

Gently stir in the drained canned tuna to the dressing mixture. This blends the rich, flaky fish with the creamy dressing, layering in protein and hearty flavor that makes the salad satisfyingly filling.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Place your cooled macaroni into a large bowl and pour the tuna-mayo mixture over it. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced shallots, and thawed peas. Carefully fold everything together to evenly distribute ingredients without breaking up the macaroni or tuna too much.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a couple of hours. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a salad that tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead option.

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

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a light dusting of paprika can elevate this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe with a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Adding sliced olives or extra pickles on top offers more texture and a subtle briny kick that guests love.

Side Dishes

This salad shines brightly alongside grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or alongside a platter of fresh fruit for a perfectly balanced meal. It’s also a fantastic companion for barbecues or picnic spreads, effortlessly complementing a variety of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for personalized bowls. You can also present it in colorful glass bowls to showcase the vibrant peas and eggs, making your table truly inviting and Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for up to three days, and chilling only improves the flavor as the ingredients continue to blend.

Freezing

Due to the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, freezing this salad is not recommended. It can alter the texture and flavor, resulting in a less enjoyable dish once thawed.

Reheating

This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and can cause the mayonnaise to separate, so simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter or tangier version, though this will slightly change the classic creamy texture you expect from the dish.

Is it better to use fresh or canned tuna for this recipe?

Canned tuna packed in water works best for this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe because it’s convenient and blends perfectly with the other ingredients. Fresh tuna can be used if you prefer, but it will create a different texture and may require cooking before mixing.

How long does this salad stay fresh in the fridge?

When stored properly in a sealed container, the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe stays fresh for up to three days. Always give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Diced celery, bell pepper, or shredded carrots add extra crunch and color. Feel free to customize your Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe to your liking – just keep the balance of flavors in mind.

What is the best way to cook the hard-boiled eggs for this salad?

Place eggs in boiling water and cook for about 9-12 minutes for firm yolks. Once done, cool them in ice water before peeling and chopping. Properly cooked eggs add creamy texture without overpowering the salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish, this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe should be at the top of your list to try next. It’s easy to whip up, perfectly satisfying, and has a delicious balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will be one of your go-to favorites for lunches, picnics, and potluck gatherings alike!

Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need