Description
A classic Tuna Macaroni Salad that blends creamy mayonnaise, tangy sweet pickle relish, and tender tuna with al dente elbow macaroni, chopped hard-boiled eggs, shallots, and peas. This easy-to-make, chilled salad is perfect for a refreshing main dish or a hearty side, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounce box elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 tablespoon celery seed (more or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
Add-ins
- 3 (5 ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained well
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, salt, pepper, and fresh squeezed lemon juice until well combined. This creamy base is the key to the salad’s signature flavor.
- Add the tuna: Gently fold the drained tuna into the dressing mixture, breaking it up slightly but leaving some larger pieces for texture.
- Combine the salad: Add the cooled, drained macaroni to the bowl with the tuna and dressing. Toss to evenly coat the pasta.
- Stir in vegetables and eggs: Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced shallot, and thawed frozen peas. Gently stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated, being careful not to break up the eggs too much.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld for the best taste.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Enjoy it cold, either as a main dish or a hearty side!
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it completely, which helps the salad stay firm and fresh.
- Adjust celery seed to your taste preference for more or less flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Chilling the salad for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors and texture.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator covered tightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
