Description
This classic tuna macaroni salad is a simple and creamy dish perfect for a summer side or light meal. It combines tender macaroni with flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a rich mayonnaise dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained macaroni, flaked tuna, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir again and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a teaspoon of sugar to the dressing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: easy tuna macaroni salad, classic tuna macaroni salad, cold tuna macaroni salad recipe, macaroni and tuna salad recipes, tuna pasta salad recipe, simple mac and tuna salad, summer side dish salad, creamy tuna macaroni salad