Description
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side. Combining tender elbow macaroni with flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, it makes for a satisfying and easy-to-make salad. Chilled before serving, it’s ideal for warm days or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the macaroni and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended into a smooth dressing.
- Combine the salad: Add the cooled macaroni, flaked tuna, chopped celery, red onion, and if using, pickles and bell pepper into the bowl with the dressing. Mix gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing without breaking up the tuna too much.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to cool thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled as a light meal or a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Notes
- Rinsing the macaroni after cooking helps prevent it from becoming sticky in the salad.
- Add more or less mayonnaise and sour cream to adjust the creaminess to your liking.
- Optional vegetables like pickles and bell peppers add crunch and extra flavor, but can be omitted based on preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute light mayonnaise and sour cream.
- The salad tastes even better if made a few hours ahead or the day before serving.
