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–+ servings
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 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 310 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 canned chicken for tuna if preferred.
  • Add diced celery for crunch.
  • Mix half mayonnaise and half Italian dressing for a creamier texture.
  • Chill at least 1 hour for better flavor blending.
  • Replace elbow macaroni with shells or rotini.
  • Add hard-boiled eggs for a more traditional deli-style salad.
  • Use red onion instead of green onion for stronger flavor.
  • Stir in a little sweet relish for tanginess.
  • Swap parsley for dill or basil.
  • Add peas or corn for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 14gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword brunch potluck, classic recipes, cold dish, macaroni salad, pasta salad, picnic food, potluck, summer recipe, tuna, tuna salad, vintage recipe
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