The mayonnaise-coated pasta and tuna were what we could afford back in the 1960s, later on when affordable, mom also would add shrimp or crab for Christmas Eve as a special treat.
This is a super easy macaroni salad to make and goes great with whatever you cooking for a weeknight meal plus you can substitute boneless cooked chicken for seafood allergies.
We have a list of substitutions for vegetables or meat so this basic macaroni salad is very versatile we use different pasta from small shells, elbows, tri-color, or even small penne.
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Easiest Steps to Making the Best Tuna Macaroni Salad
- boil the pasta according to the package instructions and drain
- add all the ingredients with drained pasta to a large bowl that has a cover
- toss with mayonnaise
- garnish and refrigerate before serving
- scroll down to our recipe card for exact measurements with the completed instructions
Tips for Tuna Macaroni Salad
- use any small-shaped pasta, small shells, elbow, wagon wheels, mini bow ties, mini penne, or tri-colored pasta works great also
- add mayonnaise a little at a time just to coat
- after draining the pasta do not rinse
- always season to taste you may like more or less
- mix in any vegetables chopped fine as you like or leave out some
- add pepper strips to the top for extra flavor or leave in big pieces for those not fond of them
- keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for no more than two days
- store in a glass or plastic container covered
Shopping List for Tuna Pasta/Macaroni Salad
- elbow macaroni
- tuna
- mayonnaise
- celery and carrots chopped fine
- sweet relish
- salt, pepper
- granulated garlic powder
- Optional Garnishes:
- boiled eggs sliced
- paprika
- chopped or dried parsley
- Sliced Provolone sharp or mild
- Sliced Black Olives cured, green or calamata
- Hot Peppers or Roasted Peppers
More Mix-in Suggestions
- cayenne pepper,
- chopped artichoke hearts
- crispy bacon
- boiled egg slices,
- sliced cucumbers,
- chickpeas,
- chicken instead of tuna
- tiny shrimp or crab meat
- capers
- green or black olives
- diced onion
- chopped celery
- sliced mushrooms
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Macaroni Salad Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served at a backyard BBQ and is perfect for picnics.
For a light brunch, use an ice cream scoop and place on curly lettuce leaves for a pretty presentation.
Stuff a beefsteak tomato with macaroni tuna salad.
Remember you can always substitute canned drained meats like chicken and ham for tuna for food allergies.
Yield: 15
Tuna Macaroni Salad
This is a delicious side dish with elbow macaroni, tuna, and mayonnaise along with variations.
Ingredients
- half pound of cooked macaroni cooked al dente to package instructions and drained (elbows, small shells, tri-colored pasta, wagon wheels, mini bow ties)
- 4 to 6 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 boiled eggs for garnish
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 small carrot
- 1 can tuna in water or olive oil drained
- Note Substitution for tuna: 1 cup small baby shrimp use canned or frozen sometimes I use both or shredded fresh crab meat
- 1 small bell pepper cut into strips (if someone doesn't like them they can take them out but it will still leave the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon or more to taste of sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- Garnish: sliced hard-boiled eggs, chopped fresh or dried parsley
- salt, and pepper to taste
- optional: green chopped olives or black olives
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions then drain do not rinse.
- In a food processor (or finely chop by hand) chop the celery and carrots.
- In a large bowl add the pasta, vegetables, tuna or shrimp, seasonings, and relish then add around 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise ( you may need more) until the pasta is coated and not dry.
- Slice eggs for the top and garnish with dried parsley.
Notes
Tips for Tuna Macaroni Salad
- use any small-shaped pasta, small shells, elbow, wagon wheels, mini bow ties, mini penne, or tri-colored pasta works great also
- add mayonnaise a little at a time just to coat
- after draining the pasta do not rinse
- always season to taste you may like more or less
- mix in any vegetables chopped fine as you like or leave out some
- add pepper strips to the top for extra flavor or leave in big pieces for those not fond of them
- keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for no more than two days
- store in a glass or plastic container covered
More Mix-in Suggestions
- cayenne pepper,
- chopped artichoke hearts
- crispy bacon
- boiled egg slices,
- sliced cucumbers,
- chickpeas,
- chicken instead of tuna
- tiny shrimp or crab meat
- capers
- green or black olives
- diced onion
- chopped celery
- sliced mushrooms
Macaroni Salad Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served at a backyard BBQ and is perfect for picnics.
For a light brunch, use an ice cream scoop and place on curly lettuce leaves for a pretty presentation.
Stuff a beefsteak tomato with macaroni tuna salad.
Remember you can always substitute canned drained meats like chicken and ham for tuna for food allergies.
These are all copyright-protected images and content. Do not reprint/reuse this recipe or its images without my written permission.
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More Salads to Try
Oriental Chicken Salad
Chicken Lemon Salad
Creamy Broccoli Salad
Updated Disclosure: This recipe was posted in 2017, edited, and re-published in 2024.
