Description

Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad is the kind of chilled pasta dish I love making when I need something quick, creamy, and seriously satisfying. It brings together tender elbow macaroni, flaky tuna, crisp celery, sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, and a smooth tangy dressing for an easy recipe that works as a quick lunch, healthy snack, light dinner, or make-ahead side for potlucks and family meals. If you are looking for simple food ideas, easy dinner ideas, cold pasta salad recipes, or budget-friendly meal prep, this one delivers every time.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cans tuna, drained

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1/2 cup peas

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

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 and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.

3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

4. Add the cooled macaroni, drained tuna, celery, red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and peas to the bowl.

5. Fold everything together gently until well combined and evenly coated.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

For the best texture, do not overcook the macaroni because it softens more after mixing with the dressing.

If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or a small splash of lemon juice before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: easy tuna macaroni salad, tuna pasta salad, cold macaroni salad, creamy tuna salad, quick lunch, easy dinner, pasta salad recipe, make ahead salad, budget friendly meal, food ideas