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Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

Tuna Macaroni Salad, a classic American lunch and salad favorite, combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, and fresh lemon juice. Packed with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, shallots, and peas, this recipe delivers a delicious, hearty salad that’s quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounce box elbow macaroni

Dressing and Seasoning

  • 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

Main Mix-ins

  • 3 (5 ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained well
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook 16 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water until the pasta has cooled completely.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sweet pickle relish, ½ tablespoon celery seed, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Stir well to fully blend the flavors.
  3. Add Tuna: Stir the drained tuna cans into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring the tuna is well distributed throughout the dressing.
  4. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Place the cooled macaroni in a large bowl and pour the tuna-mayonnaise dressing over it. Mix thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
  5. Add Vegetables and Eggs: Fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced shallot, and thawed peas. Stir gently to combine all ingredients without breaking the eggs.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste.

Notes

  • Ensure pasta is completely cooled before mixing with mayonnaise to prevent the dressing from thinning.
  • Adjust celery seed quantity to taste for more or less flavor intensity.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best tang and flavor.
  • For a twist, add diced celery or red bell pepper for extra crunch.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/tuna-macaroni-salad-recipe-2/