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–+ servings
Handwritten recipe for Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna macaroni salad is a beloved cold dish that brings together pantry staples with fresh ingredients for a quick, flavorful meal. Popular in potlucks and picnics across America, this salad features elbow macaroni, tuna, vegetables, olives, and a tangy Italian-mustard dressing. With its satisfying blend of textures and tastes, it's both hearty and refreshing. This recipe embraces the nostalgic comfort of mid-century home cooking, designed to be both easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 190 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 7 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cans tuna (6½ oz cans, drained)
  • 1 tomato (medium, seeded and chopped)
  • 1 yellow or green pepper (smal, chopped)
  • ½ cup whole pitted olives
  • ⅓ cup green onions (sliced)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley (chopped )
  • ½ cup Italian dressing
  • 1 to 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • Lettuce leaves (for serving)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until tender.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Base

  • In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, drained tuna, chopped tomato, chopped pepper, olives, green onions, and parsley.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, Dijon mustard, salt, and lemon pepper seasoning.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

  • Pour dressing over the macaroni mixture. Toss until well combined.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve chilled on lettuce leaves for a refreshing presentation.

Tips

  • Substitute Greek yogurt for Italian dressing for a creamy twist
  • Add boiled eggs or shredded cheese for extra protein
  • Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version
  • Mix in celery or cucumbers for added crunch
  • Swap tuna with canned chicken for variation

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 12gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 440mgPotassium: 259mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 580IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cold dish, potluck, tuna
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