Tuna Macaroni Salad

Creamy, full of flavor, and easy to make, this Tuna Macaroni Salad really has it all! Serve it as a side dish at your next picnic or impress everyone at the potluck. You just can’t go wrong when you serve this simply delicious macaroni salad!

Tuna Macaroni Salad

This tuna macaroni salad is currently taking first place on my list of favorite macaroni salad recipes, and trust me – that’s a pretty extensive and competitive list.

Once you try a bite of this easy to make macaroni salad though, you won’t be too confused as to why it’s my current favorite! It’s got a ton of complex flavors from ingredients like champagne vinegar, low fat greek yogurt, and an array of tasty veggies.

Not to mention the tuna itself is delicious, too! If you’re a tuna lover like me, you’re going to gobble this stuff up like crazy. I feel like I’m always finding new ways to enjoy tuna – after all, it’s an affordable, delicious protein, so why not?! Of all the ways I can serve it up, this macaroni salad is quite possibly the best way to dress up a couple cans of albacore tuna.

Ingredients

• Pasta – Elbow Macaroni is classic in this dish. The shape holds onto the dressing well but you can sub with pasta you have on hand.
• Vegetables – We used bell peppers, peas, onion, celery and pickles. The flavors go well with the tuna and the pickles add a sweet/tart flavor that can’t be missed.
• Tuna – Albacore tuna in water helps keep the recipe light and fresh tasting. Do not use oil packed tuna as it has a stronger flavor.
• Mayonnaise – Use real mayonnaise here and not salad dressing.

For a full list of ingredients, jump to the recipe card.

How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad

This recipe is crazy easy to whip up! It takes no time at all to mix it all together – just remember to let it chill before you dig in!

1. Make the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water.
2. Transfer and add. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and add the celery, pickles, bell pepper, peas, onion and tuna.
3. Make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
4. Combine. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
5. Chill. Cover and chill for 1 hour or overnight.
6. Enjoy! Stir the salad again right before serving. Serve chilled.

How to Store Leftovers

When kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this homemade macaroni salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days! Just remember to stir it up before serving, as the dressing may tend to fall towards the bottom of the bowl.

Also, this is a great day-ahead recipe! If you know you’re wanting to serve it for a special occasion, make this tuna macaroni salad the day ahead and let it chill overnight. I find that when chilled overnight, it’s really at its best.

What is champagne vinegar?

Contrary to the title, the vinegar used in this recipe contains no alcohol! It actually gets that name because it’s made from the same grapes as chardonnay and pinot. Champagne vinegar has a fairly mild taste in comparison to other vinegars and is SO perfect for this recipe! I find that the light tangy taste compliments the tuna and other ingredients wonderfully without overpowering them.

If you can’t get your hands on a bottle of this slightly floral vinegar, then white wine vinegar will also be delicious.

More Easy Salad Recipes

• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Amish Macaroni Salad
• The Very Best Macaroni Salad
• Lobster Pasta Salad
• Old Fashioned Pea Salad

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