Description
Creamy, cool, and ready for real life, this Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad is a quick lunch, easy dinner side, potluck favorite, and simple meal prep recipe all in one bowl. Tender elbow macaroni, flaky tuna, crunchy celery, red onion, pickles, and a tangy creamy dressing make this easy recipe one of those classic food ideas you can serve for summer cookouts, weekday lunches, picnic sides, or budget-friendly dinner ideas.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cans 5 ounces each tuna in water, drained well
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup dill pickles, finely chopped, or sweet relish
2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just tender according to the package directions.
2. Drain the macaroni, rinse it under cold water until fully cooled, and let it drain very well.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the cooled macaroni, drained tuna, celery, red onion, pickles or relish, and fresh herbs to the bowl.
5. Fold gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Stir again before serving and add a small spoonful of mayonnaise or yogurt if the salad needs extra creaminess.
Notes
Drain the tuna very well so the dressing stays creamy instead of watery.
Do not overcook the macaroni because soft pasta can break apart after mixing and chilling.
For extra flavor, stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs, peas, extra dill pickles, or a splash of pickle juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil and mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Keywords: Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad, tuna macaroni salad, easy pasta salad, quick lunch, easy dinner side, potluck salad, meal prep recipe, summer side dish