Classic Tuna Macaroni Salad is the best cold salad to make for your next spring or summer picnic. It's such an easy side dish that comes together in 20 minutes with simple ingredients like tuna, pasta, celery, and mayonnaise, and it's full of fresh and delicious flavor!
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Why You'll Love This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
I have been eating this old fashioned macaroni salad with tuna for as long as I can remember. My mom still makes it at various times throughout the summer, and now I do as well. I know that when she first makes this salad each year, summer has officially begun!
Like many of the best things in life, this tuna salad with noodles is incredibly simple. The ingredients are low cost, making it the perfect option if you're on a tight budget (aren't we all?). It's so awesome how you can combine a few simple ingredients and make a salad that is so addictive that you cannot stop eating it. And by you, I mean me. Seriously. This type of gluttony is out of control.
It's also fast. I threw this tuna macaroni salad together in twenty minutes this morning for a family dinner later in the evening, and everyone was thrilled to see it as part of our spread. I also love to make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch all week! Here are a few more reasons to love this macaroni salad:
- Easy and quick to make
- Picnic-friendly
- The perfect barbecue side dish
- Made with simple ingredients
- SO tasty!
Ingredient Information And Substitutions:
- Macaroni - I like elbow macaroni best, and it's always what my mom would use. You could also sub in tortellini, rotini, or cavatappi noodles.
- Celery - For an added crunch that I just can't get enough of. I will often add diced carrot as well. Other add-in options could be diced bell pepper or peas.
- Onion - Adds a bit of sharpness to the mix, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy mayo. If raw onion flavor is too strong for you, soak the minced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain really well before adding them to the other ingredients in your tuna macaroni salad recipe.
- Tuna - I prefer to use chunk light canned tuna in water. Be sure to drain the tuna really well before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. If you'd like, you can use a package of Surimi Seafood instead to make a it a crab mac salad.
- Mayonnaise - All old fashioned macaroni salad with tuna recipes feature mayo, and I love it in mine too! Mayo is the perfect binder for this recipe. Full fat or light both work — Hellmans is my favorite.
- Salt and Pepper - To taste. If you prefer even more flavor, feel free to add your favorite seasonings or fresh chopped herbs to kick it up a notch.
How to Make Macaroni Tuna Salad
Step 1: Cook the macaroni
I recommend cooking the elbow macaroni (or your noodle of choice) to al dente- make sure you salt the water! You'll also have to cool it before assembling the salad. It's best to make it at least an hour before you plan on serving.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cooked macaroni, chopped celery and onion, tuna, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper and mix until combined.
Step 3: Serve and enjoy!
Serve your tuna salad with noodles right away, or refrigerate until you plan on serving it.
Frequently asked questions
Either cook it a few hours before you need it and store it in the fridge to chill, or simply run it under really cold water before adding it to the other ingredients.
Absolutely! You can make the whole salad up to a day or two ahead, just be sure to add additional mayo if you feel it needs more (sometimes the pasta sucks up the moisture).
I love this as a make-ahead option for a week's worth of lunches! Additionally, you can simply prep the ingredients ahead and mix them before serving. Here are the things that you can prep ahead:
- Boil and cool pasta
- Mince onions
- Chop celery
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 4 days when stored properly.
Is there a way to make this pasta salad healthier?
It's already pretty light, but even lighter substitutions could include using light mayo or vegan mayo, adding additional veggies and using a protein pasta (I love Barilla's protein pasta- it totally tastes the same as regular pasta!).
Tips for making Tuna Salad with Noodles
- Boil the pasta to al dente as it will soften up more as it absorbs the mayo — and be sure to salt the water!
- Cool the pasta completely before mixing the salad together.
- Prepare it by taste, not measurements. I listed the ingredients in the amounts that I personally enjoy. But the amounts to use are completely subject to your own personal tastes. Sometimes, I vary it based on my mood as well. Taste is as you go!
- Feel free to mix it up and add different flavors that you like! My mom often adds diced carrots along with the onions and celery. I definitely encourage you to make this tuna macaroni salad recipe your own.
Helpful tools:
Make it a Meal!
Serve this tuna pasta salad with mayo recipe with:
- Sweet Chili Turkey Burger
- Marinated Vegetable Salad
- Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs
- No-Bake S'mores Bars
Other Mac Salad Recipes to Try...
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente and cooled (or the small pasta of your choice)
- 4 ribs celery, diced
- ½ small-medium onion, finely diced
- 1-2 cans Tuna in water, well-drained (You could also use a 12 ounce package of Surimi Seafood)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt add more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper add moreto taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir all ingredients well until fully combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until you're ready to serve for up to a week.
Video
Notes
- Boil the pasta to al dente as it will soften up more as it absorbs the mayo — and be sure to salt the water!
- Cool the pasta completely before mixing the salad together.
- Prepare it by taste, not measurements. I listed the ingredients in the amounts that I personally enjoy. But the amounts to use are completely subject to your own personal tastes. Sometimes, I vary it based on my mood as well. Taste is as you go!
- Feel free to mix it up and add different flavors that you like! My mom often adds diced carrots along with the onions and celery. I definitely encourage you to make this tuna macaroni salad recipe your own.
Nutrition
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