Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna macaroni salad combines creamy pasta salad with tuna salad for a hearty cold dish. This creamy salad makes a delicious side dish at a picnic or potluck but is hearty enough to be a satisfying meal in and of itself.
We have tons of picnics and potlucks here in the South.
And this tuna macaroni salad is a classic dish that you’ll find at many of these gatherings.
It really has it all: pasta, tuna, some crunchy veggie action, and a perfectly seasoned creamy dressing.
Plus it’s super easy to make and hearty enough to serve as a meal.
Ingredients
To make this you’ll need:
- Pasta– I recommend macaroni noodles, but you can use another short noodle like bowties, penne, or rotini.
- Mayonnaise– Full fat, real mayo. Avoid mayonnaise style dressing.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream– If you use Greek yogurt, make sure you are using plain Greek yogurt.
- Lemon juice– Fresh lemon juice is best, but you can use bottled in a pinch.
- Sweet pickle relish– Totally optional.
- Seasoning– Salt, pepper, and dried dill.
- Canned tuna– Drained
- Celery– Diced
- Red onion– Diced
How to Make
To make this, just prepare the pasta according to the directions on the package.
When it’s done, drain the pasta and run it under cold water to cool it slightly.
Set the pasta aside while you make the dressing.
To make the dressing stir together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and lemon juice until it’s evenly combined.
Then, stir in the sweet pickle relish if you are using it and add the salt pepper, and dill.
When the dressing is ready, toss it with the cooled, cooked pasta, and then stir in the tuna and diced veggies.
Toss it to combine.
Serve and enjoy!
Can I make tuna macaroni salad ahead of time?
Yes!
In fact, this is one of those dishes that actually tastes better if it has time to sit and chill in the fridge.
I like to make it the night before to give the flavors a chance to come together.
What can I substitute for tuna?
Tuna works really well in this macaroni salad because the dressing really balances out the flavor of the tuna.
But if you prefer, you could substitute canned chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken instead.
You could also omit it altogether, whatever option works best for you!
Do you put eggs in tuna macaroni salad?
You can absolutely put hard boiled eggs in this tuna macaroni salad, but this recipe does not include them.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3 days.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure the pasta is cool before tossing with the dressing and other ingredients.
- This recipe is best if it’s served cold, so be sure to chill it prior to serving.
- Not a fan of onion or celery? You can omit them.
Other Pasta Salad Recipes
Tuna macaroni salad is a classic we love at any potluck or picnic. Make it for your next one and enjoy!
Looking for other pasta salad recipes? Try these:
- Hawaiian Pasta Salad
- Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
- Creamy Poppy Seed Pasta Salad with Grapes
- Aunt Gert’s Sweet Macaroni Salad
If you’ve tried this TUNA MACARONI SALAD, or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups Dry Pasta
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
- 2-3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish optional
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dried Dill Weed
- 6-7 oz Canned Tuna drained
- 2 Stalks Celery diced
- 1/4 cup Diced Red Onion
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain & run under cold water to cool slightly before proceeding with recipe.
- In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt and lemon juice until smooth and combined. Add sweet pickle relish, if using.
- Season with salt, pepper and dill.
- Toss the cooked, cooled pasta in the dressing, then add the tuna and stir to distribute well.
- Add the diced celery and red onion and toss to combine.
Notes
- Make sure the pasta is cool before tossing with the dressing and other ingredients.
- This recipe is best if it's served cold, so be sure to chill it prior to serving.
- Not a fan of onion or celery? You can omit them.
Nutrition
