Tuna Noodle Salad- Spaceships and Laser Beams

close up shot of Tuna Macaroni Salad in a bowl with tongs

Loaded with delicious ingredients and creamy dressing, this old-fashioned tuna macaroni salad is a classic recipe for all your summer gatherings.

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Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time1 25

Servings

Table of Contents

Tuna Noodle Salad Ingredients
How to Make Tuna Salad with Noodles
How to Serve This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
When to Serve This Tuna and Macaroni Salad
Tuna in Macaroni Salad Substitutions and Additions
How to Store Macaroni Salad with Tuna
Why Tuna Macaroni Salad is the Best
This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is Simply Delicious
Tuna Noodle Salad FAQs
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
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Our dedicated team of recipe creators, testers, and photographers is passionate about crafting dishes that are both easy to make and impressive to serve, like this delightful tuna macaroni salad. We’ve rigorously tested this recipe in multiple kitchens to guarantee that when you make it at home, it turns out perfectly every time.

We’re focusing on convenience without sacrificing flavor. This macaroni tuna salad is a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days or quick meals. With just a few ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

At Spaceships and Laser Beams, we don’t just create recipes; we perfect them. That’s why so many home cooks rely on us for their cooking needs. Our commitment to quality and consistency ensures that each recipe you try will be a success, bringing satisfaction to your table every time.

close up of Tuna Macaroni Salad with tongs

Tuna Noodle Salad Ingredients

Tuna Macaroni Salad raw ingredients that are labeled

This favorite macaroni salad will always be pleasing whenever you add it to the menu. This dish is the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and salty, and it’s so easy to make.

This classic recipe is a great quick lunch on a hot summer day or a wonderful side dish for a potluck.

You’ll need:

2 cups dried elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions and drained
2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna in water, drained
1½ cups mayonnaise
½ cup finely diced celery
½ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon dill
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

PRO TIP: Make sure to choose tuna packed in water. Tuna in oil would change the consistency of this salad.

How to Make Tuna Salad with Noodles

You can make this dish ahead of time. It needs to chill for at least one hour, and the flavor gets even better the longer it sits.

Start by cooking your macaroni al dente in salted water according to the package directions.

STEP ONE: Using a large bowl, add the cooked macaroni pasta, canned tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced onion, sweet relish, dill, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Mix the ingredients together gently as you don’t want to break the pieces of pasta.

tuna macaroni salad ingredients folded together in a bowl

STEP TWO: Cover well with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour before serving.

How to Serve This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

Serve this cold tuna macaroni salad for a side dish or an easy lunch. Add our tomato sandwich or cucumber sandwiches alongside the salad so that you have an even heartier and extra filling meal to keep you going during the day.

Check out our other tuna recipes for even more ways to use this delicious protein. Our tuna casserole is a great dinner option while our tuna melt takes your tuna sandwich to the next level.

When to Serve This Tuna and Macaroni Salad

Family Dinners: Tuna Macaroni Salad is a quick and easy dish that can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Its comforting flavors are perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Potlucks: This salad is a crowd-pleaser that travels well, making it a great choice for potlucks. It’s easy to make in large batches and always a hit with a variety of tastes.

Picnics: This old fashioned macaroni salad is portable and can be served cold, making it perfect for outdoor picnics. It pairs well with other picnic staples like sandwiches and fresh fruit.

Barbecues: As a cool, creamy side dish, cold macaroni tuna salad complements grilled meats and vegetables beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast to smoky barbecue flavors.

Meal Prepping: This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. It stays fresh for several days, providing a convenient, ready-to-eat meal.

Quick Lunches: Tuna macaroni salad is a filling and nutritious option for a quick lunch. It’s easy to pack and enjoy at work or school, offering a satisfying mid-day meal.

Tuna in Macaroni Salad Substitutions and Additions

MAYO: You can substitute Miracle Whip or light mayonnaisefor the mayonnaise in this macaroni tuna salad.

You could also use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. These will both change the flavor profile of the finished dish, but are a good option.

TUNA: For a different flavor, you can substitute canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken for the tuna. This will add a new taste dimension while keeping the protein content high.

PASTA: While we used elbow macaroni for this recipe, you could use another small pasta shape such as mini ziti, penne, rotelle, orecchiette, or farfalle. Torteilli or whole wheat pasta would also be good in this recipe.

CELERY: If you’re not a fan of celery, you can substitute it with diced cucumber or bell pepper. These alternatives will add a refreshing crunch to the salad without altering the overall texture significantly. Cucumber provides a mild taste, while bell pepper adds a hint of sweetness.

ONION: For a milder flavor, consider using green onions or shallots instead of regular onions. Green onions offer a subtle taste and a pop of color, while shallots provide a slightly sweet and delicate flavor. Both options will enhance the dish without overpowering it. Finely diced red onion would be another great option.

Mix In Ideas

Depending on your preference, you can add plenty of ingredients to this simple salad.

PEAS: If you don’t have green peas on hand, try using corn or diced carrots. Corn adds a sweet crunch, and carrots provide a bit of extra texture and sweetness. These substitutions will maintain the salad’s colorful appearance and add nutritional value.

MUSTARD: If you’re looking for a different tang, try substituting Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or honey mustard. Whole grain mustard will add a bit of texture and a more robust flavor, while honey mustard will introduce a slight sweetness to the salad.

HERBS: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added to the salad for an extra burst of flavor. Parsley and chives will bring a mild, herby taste that complements the other ingredients nicely.

PICKLES: If you enjoy a bit of tangy crunch, consider adding diced pickles to the salad. This addition will provide a zesty contrast to the creamy dressing and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

CHEESE: Adding shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese can bring a rich, savory depth to this macaroni salad recipe with tuna fish, enhancing its flavor and providing a delightful creamy texture.

EGGS: Incorporating chopped hard-boiled eggs can add a hearty, protein-packed element to this dish, giving it a more substantial and satisfying texture.

PEPPERS: Add a diced yellow, green, or red bell pepper to your salad for more crunch.

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How to Store Macaroni Salad with Tuna

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of this classic macaroni salad in an airtight container for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad as the pasta will become soggy and the creamy dressing will be watery once thawed.

How long is tuna mac salad good in the fridge?

We recommend only storing this tuna mac salad in the fridge for a maximum of three days.

Can you freeze macaroni salad with tuna fish in it?

We don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad as the noodles will become mushy and the creamy dressing may separate once thawed.

Why Tuna Macaroni Salad is the Best

People love Tuna Macaroni Salad because it’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavor of tuna with the comforting texture of pasta. The creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables create a delightful contrast, making it a satisfying meal or side dish. Its simplicity and the ability to customize ingredients to suit personal tastes or dietary needs also add to its widespread appeal.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe is Simply Delicious

Simple ingredients and fresh flavors make this tuna pasta salad a fantastic choice for potlucks and barbecues this summer. With a creamy homemade dressing and plenty of delicious ingredients that you can customize to your liking, this simple recipe has it all.

Tuna Noodle Salad FAQs

Can I make this macaroni and tuna salad recipe ahead of time?

This tuna pasta salad recipe needs at least an hour to chill in the fridge, overnight is even better. Making this recipe in advance would be a great idea.

What kind of canned tuna should I use?

Make sure you are using tuna packed in water. Tuna that is packed in oil would change the consistency and texture of the salad.

Can I add other veggies to this macaroni salad with tuna?

This great recipe has plenty of flexibility for customization. Add or take out any ingredients based on your preference.

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Tuna Salad with Noodles

5 from 5 votes

Loaded with delicious ingredients and creamy dressing, this old-fashioned tuna macaroni salad is a classic recipe for all your summer gatherings.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 25

Servings

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Ingredients

2 cups dried macaroni, cooked according to package directions and drained
10 ounces tuna in water, drained
1½ cups mayonnaise
½ cup celery, finely diced
½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon dill
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

Using a large mixing bowl, add the cooked macaroni, tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced onion, pickle relish, dill, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Cover well and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Make sure to choose tuna packed in water. Tuna in oil would change the consistency of this salad.
You can make this dish ahead of time. It needs to chill for at least one hour and the flavor gets even better the longer it sits.
Mix the ingredients together gently as you don’t want to break the pieces of pasta.

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Sian Cox Photographer
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Teresia Shrum Recipe Developer

Tuna Salad with Noodles

Tuna Noodle Salad Ingredients

How to Make Tuna Salad with Noodles

How to Serve This Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

When to Serve This Tuna and Macaroni Salad