Description

This Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad is the kind of chilled pasta dish that always earns a spot at the table. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender elbow macaroni, flaky tuna, crisp celery, and a smooth tangy dressing, it is perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack style meal prep, summer side dish, and simple food ideas for busy days. If you need easy recipe inspiration, quick breakfast and lunch prep alternatives, or crowd-pleasing dinner ideas, this classic macaroni salad delivers comfort and convenience in every bite.

Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

2 cans tuna, 5 ounces each, drained

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just tender according to the package directions.

2. Drain the macaroni and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking, then let it cool completely.

3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

4. Add the cooled macaroni, drained tuna, chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl.

5. Fold everything together gently until the salad is evenly coated in the dressing.

6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend and the texture can firm up.

7. Stir once more before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Do not mix the dressing with warm pasta, or the salad can turn heavy and absorb too much moisture before it chills properly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 390
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 85mg