Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta shape like rotini, shells, or farfalle works beautifully. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it maintains its texture in the salad.

My salad seems dry after being in the refrigerator. What happened?

The pasta continues to absorb dressing as it sits in the refrigerator. This is completely normal! Simply stir in a little more mayo mixed with a splash of vinegar to bring back the creamy texture before serving.

Can I make this tuna macaroni salad ahead of time for a party?

This is actually one of the best make-ahead dishes! The flavors improve as it sits, so making it the day before your event is ideal. Just give it a good stir before serving and refresh with a bit more dressing if needed.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta for more fiber, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or grated carrots. You can also reduce the sugar slightly without compromising flavor.

Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

Name: Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 3 (5-ounce) cans of tuna, drained; 5 large hard-boiled eggs, diced; 1 cup celery (about 4 ribs), diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/3 cup minced red onion (about half an onion); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup minced fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried); 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

This crowd-pleasing Tuna Macaroni Salad combines tender pasta, protein-packed tuna, and crunchy vegetables in a tangy, creamy dressing that’s simply irresistible. Ready in just 30 minutes of active time, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights, summer potlucks, or a satisfying lunch option that tastes even better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad comes together in minutes – perfect for when you’re short on time but need something substantial.
Budget-Friendly: Pantry staples like pasta and canned tuna make this a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it once and enjoy for days! This salad actually improves as it sits in the refrigerator.
Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic as-is, but you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Complete Meal: With protein, carbs, and vegetables all in one dish, it’s a balanced meal that doesn’t need much else to be satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for this salad, with the perfect nooks for catching dressing. Cook it just until al dente to prevent mushiness.
Tuna: The star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying. Choose solid white for milder flavor or chunk light for a more robust tuna taste.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Adds richness, extra protein, and a wonderful creamy texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Celery: Provides that essential fresh crunch and subtle flavor that balances the creaminess of the salad.
Frozen Peas: These little green gems add color, sweetness, and nutrition – no need to cook them separately, they’ll thaw perfectly in the refrigerator.
Red Onion: Delivers a sharp, vibrant flavor and beautiful purple color. Mincing it fine ensures you get the flavor without overwhelming bites.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our dressing that brings everything together.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess and brightness that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
Fresh Dill: This herb is the secret weapon that elevates this salad from good to memorable with its distinctive flavor.
Sweet Pickle Relish: Contributes sweetness, acidity, and tiny bits of texture throughout the salad.
Sugar: Just a touch balances all the flavors and enhances the sweetness of the peas and relish.
Dijon Mustard: Provides depth, complexity, and a subtle kick to the dressing.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your tuna macaroni salad? Here are some fantastic options:

Protein Swap: Replace tuna with canned salmon, chicken, or chickpeas for a different protein base.
Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or cucumber for extra crunch and nutrition.
Cheese Please: Mix in cubed cheddar cheese or crumbled feta for a creamy, savory addition.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat lovers.
Herb Garden: Substitute or add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil for a different flavor profile.
Mayo Alternatives: Use half Greek yogurt and half mayo for a lighter dressing with added protein.

How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking process and prevent stickiness.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Transfer your cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the drained tuna, diced hard-boiled eggs, chopped celery, frozen peas, and minced red onion. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, fresh dill, sweet pickle relish, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This tangy, herb-flecked dressing is what makes this salad special!

Step 4: Mix and Chill

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and fold everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour (though longer is better) to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook Pasta Properly: Slightly undercook the pasta (aim for al dente) since it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing.
Season the Pasta Water: Add plenty of salt to your pasta water—it’s your one chance to season the pasta itself.
Drain Tuna Well: Press excess liquid out of the tuna to prevent a watery salad.
Prep Ahead: Make the hard-boiled eggs a day or two in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Let It Rest: This salad is one of those dishes that truly improves with time. Make it several hours ahead or even the day before for the best flavor.
Taste Before Serving: After chilling, taste and adjust seasonings if needed—cold temperatures can dull flavors.

How to Serve

This versatile Tuna Macaroni Salad works beautifully in multiple settings:

Main Dish:

Serve a generous portion with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or a crusty bread roll for a complete, satisfying meal.

Side Dish:

Pair with grilled burgers, sandwiches, or fried chicken for a classic American meal combination.

Packed Lunch:

Portion into containers for ready-to-go lunches throughout the week—it holds up beautifully!

Picnic Star:

Transport in a chilled container for the perfect portable dish at outdoor gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your tuna macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor actually improves during the first 24 hours as the pasta absorbs the dressing.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it up to a day in advance for best results. If making more than a day ahead, consider holding back some of the dressing and adding it just before serving to refresh the salad.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate upon thawing, and the vegetables will lose their crunch.

Refreshing Leftovers

If the salad seems dry after being refrigerated (as the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing), simply stir in a little extra mayonnaise and a splash of vinegar to revive it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta shape like rotini, shells, or farfalle works beautifully. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it maintains its texture in the salad.
My salad seems dry after being in the refrigerator. What happened?

The pasta continues to absorb dressing as it sits in the refrigerator. This is completely normal! Simply stir in a little more mayo mixed with a splash of vinegar to bring back the creamy texture before serving.
Can I make this tuna macaroni salad ahead of time for a party?

This is actually one of the best make-ahead dishes! The flavors improve as it sits, so making it the day before your event is ideal. Just give it a good stir before serving and refresh with a bit more dressing if needed.
How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta for more fiber, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or grated carrots. You can also reduce the sugar slightly without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a reliable kitchen friend that’s there for you when you need something delicious with minimal effort. Whether you’re throwing together a quick family dinner, planning a picnic, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile dish delivers satisfaction every time. The combination of creamy dressing, protein-rich tuna and eggs, and crunchy vegetables creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try, make it your own, and watch it become a regular in your recipe rotation!