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Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad

Sally Thompson
This Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad is creamy, comforting, and packed with classic flavor in every bite. Tender elbow macaroni, flaky tuna, crisp celery, and a rich homemade dressing come together to create the perfect quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack, picnic side dish, or meal prep favorite. It’s one of those easy recipe ideas that works for busy weekdays, potlucks, summer cookouts, and simple family meals.   With its creamy texture and refreshing crunch, this tuna pasta salad is both satisfying and incredibly easy to customize. Whether you need quick food ideas for lunch or a reliable side dish for gatherings, this Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad delivers delicious results every time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cans tuna in water drained
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup celery finely diced
  • 1/4 cup onion finely diced
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika for garnish

Instructions
 

  • 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions.
  • 2. Drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain completely.
  • 3. Drain the canned tuna well and flake it gently with a fork.
  • 4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  • 5. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and stir until evenly coated with the dressing.
  • 6. Fold in the tuna, celery, onion, chopped eggs, and parsley.
  • 7. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • 8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • 9. Stir the salad again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • 10. Garnish with paprika and extra parsley before serving chilled.

Notes

Use al dente pasta to prevent the salad from becoming mushy after chilling.
Drain the tuna thoroughly to keep the dressing creamy instead of watery.
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 17gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
Keyword cold pasta salad, creamy macaroni salad, easy dinner ideas, easy tuna macaroni salad, pasta salad recipe, picnic food ideas, quick lunch ideas, tuna pasta salad
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