Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to toss together? This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe brings together creamy mayo, tangy Dijon, and the perfect bite of tender pasta for a dish you’ll crave at every picnic, potluck, or lazy weekday lunch. The vibrant crunch of celery, briny notes from relish, and protein-packed tuna make every spoonful a delight—plus, it’s so simple to customize with a few pantry staples. Whether you’re serving it up freshly chilled or prepping ahead for the week, this classic Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe always delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of kitchen-staple ingredients can transform into such a hearty, crowd-pleasing salad! Each element brings something special to the table—from bright pops of color to comforting creaminess and a satisfying crunch, making the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe a true classic.

Elbow macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): The ideal noodle shape for soaking up all that luscious dressing, giving the salad its perfect bite.
Tuna in water (1 can, drained and flaked): Opt for good-quality tuna for the best flavor and lean protein in every bite.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Provides a creamy base and classic salad richness.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang and lightens up the dressing with a velvety texture.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Packs in subtle heat and depth—don’t skip it!
Celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup): Offers unbeatable crunch and a fresh, green flavor.
Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Gives a gentle kick and eye-catching color.
Sweet pickle relish (2 tablespoons): Infuses the salad with subtle sweetness and zip.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up and balances the creaminess perfectly.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a warm, savory undertone to each forkful.
Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust for seasoning to bring all the flavors together just right.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional garnish): Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a strong boil. Add your elbow macaroni, stirring occasionally, and cook according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to taste a noodle or two to make sure they’ve got the right bite! Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water—this step stops the cooking and ensures your salad is delightfully cool and not mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

While the pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. Add your mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together vigorously. You’re aiming for a smooth, luscious dressing that smells so good, you’ll want to dip a spoon in right away. This creamy combo is where the signature flavor of the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is born.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Gently fold your drained and cooled macaroni into the bowl with the dressing. Next, add the flaked tuna, chopped celery, and diced red onion. Stir everything until it’s evenly coated—don’t be shy! Each piece of pasta should be wearing a glossy coat of that tangy dressing, flecked with bright bits of veggies and tuna.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Now’s your chance to put your personal stamp on the salad. Give it a good taste, and tweak the seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt, a crack of black pepper, or an extra splash of lemon juice for brightness. The Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is all about balance and bold flavors, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a snug-fitting lid and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling does wonders here, letting all the flavors meld and the texture firm up. When ready to serve, sprinkle over your optional chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color. It’s now ready to take center stage at your next gathering—or become an unbeatable lunch all week long!

How to Serve Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a pretty garnish! A shower of chopped fresh parsley adds gorgeous green flecks and a fragrant herbal note. You can also toss on some thin-sliced green onions or a dusting of paprika to liven things up visually and flavor-wise. For a crunchy finish, consider scattering some extra celery leaves or even a few diced hard-boiled eggs on top to make your tuna macaroni salad really pop.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside a crisp green salad, juicy watermelon wedges, or classic barbecue sides like corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, try pairing it with warm dinner rolls, fresh-cut veggies and dip, or even a bowl of chilled gazpacho. The Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is adaptable enough to complement all your favorite picnic or weeknight staples.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some fun to the classic by serving the salad in individual mason jars for portable picnics, or scoop generous portions onto butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, summery wrap. You can also mound it onto toasted sourdough for an open-faced sandwich or stuff it into avocado halves for an elegant, low-carb presentation. However you serve it, this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe always brings the smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad should be promptly covered and stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to three days. As it sits, the flavors deepen and the dressing becomes even more delicious—just give everything a good stir before scooping out your next portion. If it’s been sitting for a bit, you can always refresh it with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of extra mayo.

Freezing

Because of the mayonnaise and dairy, this salad doesn’t freeze well—the creamy dressing can separate and lose its appealing texture. If you’re set on freezing, consider freezing just the cooked pasta and tuna, then adding the fresh mix-ins and dressing once you’re ready to enjoy the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If you’d like to remove the fridge chill before serving, just let the container sit out for about 15 to 30 minutes, then stir and garnish. You’ll enjoy all the bright, creamy goodness just as intended!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, other short shapes like shell pasta, rotini, or even penne work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—you want a firm bite to hold up to the creamy dressing in your Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for your favorite dairy-free versions. Even the Dijon mustard is naturally dairy-free, so it’s easy to adapt this recipe for allergic or vegan guests while still preserving the classic flavor of the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe.

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, peas, grated carrots, or even diced cucumbers all add extra crunch, color, and nutrients. Feel free to play around with what’s in your fridge—the heart and soul of this Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is its adaptability.

What kind of tuna is best for this salad?

I recommend using a can of tuna packed in water, drained well. It’s lean and light, so it blends nicely with the creamy dressing. However, if you love a richer salad, tuna packed in oil can add more depth. Just be sure to flake it thoroughly for even distribution throughout the Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Absolutely—this dish actually improves as it sits! For easy entertaining, make your Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe a day ahead, store it tightly covered in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving. The flavors have time to meld and the texture becomes even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This crowd-pleasing Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is one of those back-pocket dishes you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting your favorite people. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find it becomes your new lunchtime favorite, too!

Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a classic dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. Creamy and flavorful, it combines tender elbow macaroni with flaked tuna, crunchy celery, and zesty red onion in a tangy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni:

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Tuna Salad:

1 can (5 oz) tuna in water (drained and flaked)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Boil salted water, cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and rinse.
Prepare Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, relish, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Mix macaroni, tuna, celery, and onion with dressing.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.