Tuna Macaroni Salad

Monday, January 29, 2024
Growing up this was always made as a side dish for picnics and is a delicious Tuna Macaroni salad we looked forward to eating.

The mayonnaise-coated pasta and tuna were what we could afford back in the 1960s, later on when affordable, mom also would add shrimp or crab for Christmas Eve as a special treat.

This is a super easy macaroni salad to make and goes great with whatever you cooking for a weeknight meal plus you can substitute boneless cooked chicken for seafood allergies.

We have a list of substitutions for vegetables or meat so this basic macaroni salad is very versatile we use different pasta from small shells, elbows, tri-color, or even small penne.

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tuna macaroni salad






Easiest Steps to Making the Best Tuna Macaroni Salad

  1. boil the pasta according to the package instructions and drain
  2. add all the ingredients with drained pasta to a large bowl that has a cover
  3. toss with mayonnaise
  4. garnish and refrigerate before serving
  5. scroll down to our recipe card for exact measurements with the completed instructions


tuna macaroni salad with elbows and boiled eggs on top


Tips for Tuna Macaroni Salad


  • use any small-shaped pasta, small shells, elbow, wagon wheels, mini bow ties, mini penne, or tri-colored pasta works great also
  • add mayonnaise a little at a time just to coat
  • after draining the pasta do not rinse
  • always season to taste you may like more or less
  • mix in any vegetables chopped fine as you like or leave out some
  • add pepper strips to the top for extra flavor or leave in big pieces for those not fond of them
  • keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for no more than two days
  • store in a  glass or plastic container covered


tuna in a bowl


Shopping List for Tuna Pasta/Macaroni Salad


  • elbow macaroni
  • tuna
  • mayonnaise
  • celery and carrots chopped fine
  • sweet relish
  • salt, pepper
  • granulated garlic powder
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • boiled eggs sliced
  • paprika
  • chopped or dried parsley
  • Sliced Provolone sharp or mild
  • Sliced Black Olives cured, green or calamata
  • Hot Peppers or Roasted Peppers


ingredients to make tuna macaroni salad


More Mix-in Suggestions

  • cayenne pepper, 
  • chopped artichoke hearts
  • crispy bacon 
  • boiled egg slices,
  • sliced cucumbers,
  • chickpeas,
  • chicken instead of tuna 
  • tiny shrimp or crab meat 
  • capers
  • green or black olives
  • diced onion
  • chopped celery
  • sliced mushrooms



Pin for later


pin for later tuna macaroni salad


Macaroni Salad Serving Suggestions


This salad can be served at a backyard BBQ and is perfect for picnics.

For a light brunch, use an ice cream scoop and place on curly lettuce leaves for a pretty presentation.

Stuff a beefsteak tomato with macaroni tuna salad.

Remember you can always substitute canned drained meats like chicken and ham for tuna for food allergies.


macaroni salad with tuna, seafood macaroni salad, tuna macaroni salad, pasta with tuna salad
pasta salad recipes, tuna salad with pasta recipes, macaroni salad recipes, Christmas Eve recipes, picnic recipes
Italian, American
Yield: 15
Author: Claudia Lamascolo
Tuna Macaroni Salad

Tuna Macaroni Salad

This is a delicious side dish with elbow macaroni, tuna, and mayonnaise along with variations.

Ingredients

  • half pound of cooked macaroni cooked al dente to package instructions and drained (elbows, small shells, tri-colored pasta, wagon wheels, mini bow ties)
  • 4 to 6 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 boiled eggs for garnish
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 1 small carrot
  • 1 can tuna in water or olive oil drained
  • Note Substitution for tuna: 1 cup small baby shrimp use canned or frozen sometimes I use both or shredded fresh crab meat
  • 1 small bell pepper cut into strips (if someone doesn't like them they can take them out but it will still leave the flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon or more to taste of sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • Garnish: sliced hard-boiled eggs, chopped fresh or dried parsley
  • salt, and pepper to taste
  • optional: green chopped olives or black olives

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta according to package instructions then drain do not rinse.
  2. In a food processor (or finely chop by hand) chop the celery and carrots.
  3. In a large bowl add the pasta, vegetables, tuna or shrimp, seasonings, and relish then add around 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise ( you may need more) until the pasta is coated and not dry.
  4. Slice eggs for the top and garnish with dried parsley.

Notes

Tips for Tuna Macaroni Salad


  • use any small-shaped pasta, small shells, elbow, wagon wheels, mini bow ties, mini penne, or tri-colored pasta works great also
  • add mayonnaise a little at a time just to coat
  • after draining the pasta do not rinse
  • always season to taste you may like more or less
  • mix in any vegetables chopped fine as you like or leave out some
  • add pepper strips to the top for extra flavor or leave in big pieces for those not fond of them
  • keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for no more than two days
  • store in a glass or plastic container covered


More Mix-in Suggestions

  • cayenne pepper, 
  • chopped artichoke hearts
  • crispy bacon 
  • boiled egg slices,
  • sliced cucumbers,
  • chickpeas,
  • chicken instead of tuna 
  • tiny shrimp or crab meat 
  • capers
  • green or black olives
  • diced onion
  • chopped celery
  • sliced mushrooms

Macaroni Salad Serving Suggestions


This salad can be served at a backyard BBQ and is perfect for picnics.

For a light brunch, use an ice cream scoop and place on curly lettuce leaves for a pretty presentation.

Stuff a beefsteak tomato with macaroni tuna salad.

Remember you can always substitute canned drained meats like chicken and ham for tuna for food allergies.



Pin for later




More Salads to Try


Oriental Chicken Salad

Chicken Lemon Salad

Creamy Broccoli Salad

Updated Disclosure: This recipe was posted in 2017, edited, and re-published in 2024.