The Best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

My Tuna Macaroni Salad became a family favorite after one particularly chaotic Wednesday when I needed something quick for dinner.

I was staring at pantry staples—canned tuna, pasta, and frozen peas—wondering how to turn them into something satisfying.

What started as a desperate weeknight solution transformed into our go-to comfort dish

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Macaroni Salad

I absolutely adore how this recipe combines simplicity with incredible satisfaction. You get protein from the tuna and eggs, while the pasta makes it wonderfully filling.

My grandkids request it constantly because the flavors are mild yet delicious, and you’ll appreciate how it feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

The best part? Everything comes together in about 30 minutes.

More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you’re craving more pasta salad inspiration, my Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe brings that classic Southern charm to your table.

For seafood lovers, you’ll want to try my Easy Crab Pasta Salad Recipe – it’s perfect for special occasions when you want something a bit more elegant.

Ingredients You Need for This Tuna Macaroni Salad

Here’s what goes into my foolproof Tuna Macaroni Salad:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni – I prefer the classic elbow shape, but shells or rotini work beautifully too
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs, diced – Make them ahead and keep in your fridge for convenience
• 10 ounces white albacore tuna, drained – Quality matters here; I always choose solid white albacore
• 1½ cups frozen peas, thawed – No need to cook them; just rinse with warm water to thaw quickly
• 1½ cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip – Use whichever you prefer; both create that perfect creamy base
• Salt and pepper to taste – Fresh cracked pepper makes all the difference

Pro tip: You can easily double this recipe for large gatherings, and it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad

Creating this Tuna Macaroni Salad is incredibly straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente – usually 8-10 minutes. You want it tender but still with a slight bite since it’ll soften more as it sits.
2. Drain and rinse the cooked macaroni with cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure it’s completely cooled before mixing.
3. Prepare your add-ins while the pasta cools. Dice your hard-boiled eggs, drain the tuna well, and thaw the peas if frozen.
4. Combine everything in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled pasta, diced eggs, tuna, peas, and mayonnaise.
5. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta gets coated with the creamy dressing.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually add about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, but adjust based on your preference.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors meld beautifully when given time to come together.

How I Make This Tuna Macaroni Salad Perfect Every Time

My secret to amazing Tuna Macaroni Salad is all about the pasta texture and temperature. I always cook the macaroni just until al dente, then immediately rinse it with cold water to prevent mushiness.

After draining, I toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Most importantly, I never add the mayonnaise to warm pasta – it becomes greasy and separates.

Patience pays off here; let everything cool completely before combining.

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What other vegetables can I add to this salad?

I love experimenting with add-ins! Diced celery adds wonderful crunch, while finely chopped red onion brings a nice bite.

Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or even shredded carrots work beautifully. Just remember to add them right before serving to maintain their texture.

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How long does this Tuna Macaroni Salad keep?

You can safely store this in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the texture starts to deteriorate, though it’s still safe to eat.

I recommend making only what you’ll consume within that timeframe.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

Of course! Greek yogurt makes an excellent lighter alternative, though the flavor will be tangier. You can also use a combination of mayo and sour cream for extra richness.

Some people prefer Miracle Whip for its slightly sweeter taste.

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How I Love to Serve My Tuna Macaroni Salad

This Tuna Macaroni Salad shines at summer picnics and potluck dinners where it feeds a crowd effortlessly. I often pack it for beach days since it travels well and doesn’t require heating.

During busy weeknights, I serve it alongside grilled chicken or fresh rolls for a complete meal.

My family has made it a tradition to enjoy this salad during our annual camping trips – it’s become our signature dish that everyone looks forward to.