A summer cookout isn’t complete without a bowl of creamy macaroni salad. The best macaroni salad recipes are rich yet balanced, offering a variety of flavors and textures that keep the mayo-dressed pasta from feeling too heavy on a hot summer day. A dish gets bonus points if it’s filling enough to enjoy as a stand-alone meal, and this macaroni salad with tuna and hard-boiled eggs fits the bill.
We make our tuna macaroni salad recipe with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing that perfectly coats the noodles to ensure each bite delivers a sweet and tangy flavor. The crisp celery and onions provide a little crunch, while the peas and hard-boiled eggs give the salad a chewy texture and bursts of color. Add water-packed tuna to create a well-rounded salad that’s pleasing to the eyes and even more gratifying to the taste buds.
Tuna Macaroni Salad Ingredients
- Tuna: Some of the best tuna brands are packed in oil, but we like water-packed tuna for this recipe. It has a lighter texture and flakes better than oil-packed tuna.
- Elbow macaroni: Look for a macaroni brand with ridges. The texture adds some fun to the pasta salad and helps the dressing cling to the noodles for a creamier eating experience.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Hard-boiled eggs add richness to this macaroni tuna salad recipe. Here’s everything you need to know about how to make perfect hard-boiled eggs.
- Macaroni salad dressing: The dressing in this recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply stir mayonnaise with sweet pickle relish, salt and pepper. If you prefer Miracle Whip vs. mayonnaise, feel free to make the swap.
- Vegetables: This pasta salad gets color and texture from the peas, onions and celery. For a bolder flavor, use red onions instead of sweet onions.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the macaroni
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the macaroni with cold water. Cool the pasta completely.
Editor’s Tip: Rinsing pasta helps the noodles cool down quickly and retain the perfect al dente texture.
Step 2: Make the dressing and combine the ingredients
To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, relish, salt and pepper. Then, in a large bowl, combine the peas, onion, celery, tuna, eggs and macaroni. Add the dressing, and gently toss to coat.
Refrigerate until serving.
Recipe Variations
- Use another type of pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic option for pasta salads, but you can use any small-shaped pasta. Try pasta shapes like spirals, shells or bow ties. Or, use gluten-free noodles to make gluten-free pasta salad.
- Change the vegetables: Mix and match your favorite vegetables. Add diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes or steamed broccoli florets.
Can you make tuna macaroni salad ahead of time?
It’s a good idea to make this macaroni salad with tuna ahead of time, even if it’s just one hour before serving. Pasta salad recipes get better with time because the flavors have a chance to meld and come together. Store the macaroni tuna salad recipe in a covered bowl in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How long does tuna macaroni salad last in the fridge?
Tuna macaroni salad lasts up to five days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re serving macaroni salad with tuna at a party or potluck, don’t leave the dish at room temperature for more than two hours. Here are some great tips to keep food cold while serving.
Tips for Making Tuna Macaroni Salad
How do you keep the macaroni from absorbing the mayonnaise?
Hot pasta will absorb mayonnaise or dressing more easily than cold pasta. Before tossing the macaroni with the dressing, rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. As a bonus, rinsing also removes excess starches that can make the pasta salad feel sticky.
How do you serve tuna macaroni salad?
Macaroni salad with tuna is a perfect side dish for other summer picnic recipe ideas, such as sandwiches, coleslaw or fruit salad. It is also filling enough to serve as a light lunch or dinner, thanks to the added protein from the tuna and hard-boiled eggs. Serve this macaroni tuna salad recipe over crisp lettuce or pair it with grilled vegetable recipes for a hearty dinner.
