Description

Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad is a quick lunch, easy dinner side, and make-ahead healthy snack idea all in one creamy bowl. This easy recipe combines tender macaroni, flaky tuna, crisp celery, and a tangy dressing for one of the best cold pasta salad food ideas for potlucks, lunch prep, picnic spreads, and simple family meals.

Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled

2 cans tuna, 5 ounces each, drained

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 cup celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons parsley or green onions, chopped

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.

2. Drain the tuna well and flake it into a large mixing bowl.

3. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl and stir until smooth.

4. Add the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, chopped red onion, parsley or green onions, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

5. Fold everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated and the tuna is mixed throughout.

6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7. Stir again before serving and add a little extra mayonnaise if needed to refresh the texture.

Notes

Rinse the pasta with cold water so it stops cooking and does not turn soft in the salad.

Drain the tuna very well so the dressing stays creamy instead of watery.

For the best flavor, chill the salad before serving so everything blends together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boil and mix
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 65mg