The Ultimate Tuna Macaroni Salad

Need a quick & easy tuna macaroni salad recipe? This one's a banger! Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. A nostalgic favourite with a modern twist. Get the recipe now!

June 8, 2025
By Laura Tide.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Alright, let's dive into this! ever get a craving for something comforting and familiar? something that reminds you of summer picnics and good times? well, that's exactly what this tuna macaroni salad recipe delivers.

It’s a right proper classic and everyone's got their own version, but i reckon this one is special.

The Ultimate Tuna Macaroni Salad: Creamy, Dreamy & Delicious!

This isn't your nan's dry tuna macaroni salad , you know? this best tuna macaroni salad recipe is seriously next level.

It's got perfectly cooked macaroni, that flaky canned tuna , a load of crunchy veggies and a dressing that’s both comforting and kinda refreshing.

Think nostalgic hug in a bowl. this is great with noodle salad recipes .

What's the Story, Tuna Macaroni?

The tuna macaroni salad is an all-american classic, probably born from the need for cheap, easy lunches. it is a picnic staple.

This recipe is super easy, takes about an hour all in, and makes enough for 6-8 hungry people. it's not hard to see why macaroni and tuna salad recipes is such a hit!

Why You'll Absolutely Love This!

Healthy tuna macaroni salad is a solid source of protein. i think this is a perfect dish for summer barbecues or a quick bank holiday lunch.

Honestly, the creamy, tangy dressing really makes it shine. you can even use tuna noodle . if you add elbow macaroni it becomes a tuna noodle casserole elbow macaroni .

This recipe is special because it balances classic flavors with fresh ingredients and a proper tasty dressing. next, you can try cold tuna macaroni salad recipes !

Right then, let's get cracking on this tuna macaroni salad recipe ! it's a real classic, a bit of a picnic staple, and everyone's got their own take on it.

We'll make sure this one is a banger. i remember my nan making something similar. hers was always a bit.

..dry. this recipe aims for creamy and lush.

The Ultimate Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni
• 2 (5 ounce / 142g) cans tuna in water, drained
• 1/2 cup (75g) red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup (60g) celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup (75g) sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Drain well again.
• Drain the tuna and flake with a fork. Dice the red onion and celery. Chop the parsley and hard-boiled eggs (if using).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, tuna, red onion, celery, pickle relish, parsley, and hard-boiled eggs (if using).
• Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir before serving.

Ingredients & Equipment

So, what do you need to whip up this Best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe ? Don't worry, nothing too fancy. We're going for simple and delicious.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni. Honestly, any small pasta will do. Shells work great too.
• 2 (5 ounce / 142g) cans tuna in water, drained well. Go for good quality tuna. It makes a big difference.
• 1/2 cup (75g) red onion, finely diced. Adds a bit of zing.
• 1/2 cup (60g) celery, finely diced. For that essential crunch.
• 1/2 cup (75g) sweet pickle relish. A must for that sweet and tangy flavour.
• 1/4 cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped. Makes it look pretty and adds a fresh touch.
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, but highly recommended!). Adds richness and protein.

Seasoning Notes

Right, let's talk about flavour.

• We're keeping it simple: salt, pepper, and a bit of Dijon mustard. That’s the bedrock, innit?
• Dijon mustard gives it a kick. If you're feeling adventurous, try a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Flavour enhancers, you know, sugar or honey. It balances the acidity.
• Swap the apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar if you're out.

Equipment Needed

Honestly, you don't need much.

• A large pot to cook the macaroni.
• A colander to drain it.
• A big mixing bowl.
• And a whisk for the dressing.

Don't have a whisk? A fork will do the trick. If you have a big appetite after making a Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe , you might eat the whole bowl!

So there you have it, the bits and bobs you need to create this Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad . I have a soft spot for macaroni and tuna salad recipes , this is one that you can quickly enjoy!

Right then, let's dive into making the ultimate tuna macaroni salad recipe . honestly, this isn't your average, dry tuna macaroni salad .

We're talking creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavour! this will soon become one of your favourite macaroni and tuna salad recipes .

One of my best friends used to make something very similar, so it has a soft spot in my heart, it reminds me of good times, good food and summer vacation.

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted

Before we even think about boiling pasta, let's get organised. it is all about the essential mise en place . dice your red onion and celery nice and small, that is a small dice if you are posh.

Chop your parsley, and drain that tuna like your life depends on it. honestly, soggy tuna macaroni salad is nobody's friend.

If you're using them, get your hard-boiled eggs peeled and chopped. this will save you loads of time later!

The Ultimate Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step

Right, here's the breakdown. Don't panic, it's dead easy:

1. Cook the Elbow Macaroni : Get a big pot of salted water boiling. Chuck in your 1 pound elbow macaroni and cook according to the packet. Look for that magic al dente bite. This means about 8- 10 minutes . Drain it and rinse with cold water to stop it cooking. No one wants mushy pasta.
2. Prep the Protein and Veg : In a big bowl, flake your two cans of drained tuna with a fork. Add your 1/2 cup diced red onion , 1/2 cup diced celery , 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish , and 1/4 cup chopped parsley . Add your 2 hard boiled eggs now if you want to use them.
3. Whip Up the Dreamy Dressing : In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise , 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar , 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard , 1 teaspoon sugar , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon pepper .
4. Mix It All Together : Pour the dressing over the tuna and macaroni mixture. Gently fold everything together until it's nicely coated. Don't be too rough, you don't want to break the pasta up.
5. Chill Out : Cover the bowl with cling film and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . The longer it chills, the better the flavours get.

Pro Tips for Best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

Want to take your Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipes to the next level? Course you do!

• Don't overcook the pasta . Honestly, there is no worse thing!
• Make the dressing a day ahead, this way, you save time.
• If you fancy making it a Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad , use light mayo.

So, there you have it. a banging tuna macaroni salad . get stuck in, and enjoy! it is the noodle salad recipes champion.

If you love it, why not try a tuna noodle casserole elbow macaroni . it is so good! these canned tuna recipes have a unique charm.

You know? enjoy the deliciousness of the tuna macaroni salad !

Alright, so you've got your recipe down, haven't you? fantastic! now, let's talk about how to make this tuna macaroni salad recipe even better.

These are my personal notes, things i've learned over the years making loads of macaroni and tuna salad recipes .

Recipe Notes for the Best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

These aren't just instructions, they're ways to make your tuna macaroni salad recipe shine. Little things that make a HUGE difference.

Serving Suggestions: Plating & What Goes With It

Right, so you've got this beauty of a salad, how do we make it look as good as it tastes? honestly, don't overthink it! a simple bowl works.

Pop a sprig of parsley on top. makes it look fancy, yeah? thinking of sides? crisps are a winner, everyone loves crisps.

Otherwise a leafy salad makes it a proper meal! for drinks, a refreshing lemonade or even a sparkling water does the trick.

Cold tuna macaroni salad recipes deserve cold drinks, you know?

Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh

Okay, so you've got leftovers from creating the best tuna macaroni salad recipe (lucky you!). chuck it in an airtight container, pop it in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3 days, tops. don't freeze it, the mayo goes all weird. honestly, reheating isn't ideal either.

This is a cold tuna macaroni salad recipe , best enjoyed straight from the fridge. i found that trying to reheat my tuna noodle casserole elbow macaroni resulted in a less than satisfactory dish.

Remixing the Classics: Tuna Macaroni Salad Variations

Fancy a change? you can totally play around with this. looking for a healthy tuna macaroni salad recipe ? swap full-fat mayo for a lighter version.

For something seasonal, add some roasted peppers in the summer or some peas in the spring. you could consider adding an avo .

The creaminess works with that great tuna macaroni salad .

Nutrition Nuggets: A Quick Heads Up

Okay, so i'm no nutritionist, but let's keep it real. this tuna macaroni salad recipe has got protein from the tuna, carbs from the pasta, and fats from the mayo.

It's fuel, yeah? not the healthiest thing ever, but definitely not the worst. all things in moderation, as they say.

And remember, even canned tuna recipes can be part of a balanced diet. let's not forget our tuna noodle casserole , also a balanced dish.

So there you have it, my friend! You're now equipped to make the ultimate tuna macaroni salad recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment, have a laugh, and most importantly, enjoy it! There's nothing quite like creating your tuna macaroni salad or any noodle salad recipes for that matter!