Description
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a creamy, flavorful pasta salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing summer meal. Made with tender elbow macaroni, flaked tuna, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, it’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water (drained)
- 2 stalks celery (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, then set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and sweet pickle relish until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, drained tuna, finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
- Season and Toss: Season the salad with salt and black pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top of the salad with paprika for a touch of color and added flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or additional mayonnaise as desired.
- You can substitute dill relish for sweet pickle relish if you prefer a tangier flavor.
- This salad tastes even better when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
