Description
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a classic, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy family meals. Featuring al dente elbow macaroni mixed with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, peas, and a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and celery seed, it offers a balanced blend of textures and flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes and served chilled, this recipe is both convenient and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounce box elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 tablespoon celery seed (more or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
Salad Mix-ins
- 3 (5 ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained well
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, salt, pepper, and fresh squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing forms the base of the salad’s distinctive flavor.
- Add the tuna: Gently fold the drained tuna into the dressing mixture. Break the tuna up slightly for even distribution but leave some larger flakes to add texture to the salad.
- Combine the salad: Add the cooled and drained macaroni to the bowl containing the tuna and dressing. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Stir in vegetables and eggs: Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced shallot, and thawed peas to the bowl. Gently stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated, taking care not to mash the eggs too much to keep a pleasant texture.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This chilling step helps the flavors meld together for the best taste experience.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute any settled dressing. Serve cold as a hearty side dish or a main course, and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, chill the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust celery seed quantity to your preference – it adds a nice subtle crunch and flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant taste.
- You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas if available.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
