Enjoy a delightful and satisfying meal with this homemade cold macaroni and tuna salad. This refreshing dish combines al dente macaroni, chunks of tender tuna, crisp vegetables, and a tangy mayo-based dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summertime lunches, this salad will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Make it ahead of time and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it as a main course or a side dish and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 1 can (12 ounces) tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, sliced black olives, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and toss again until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Macaroni salad is a popular dish in American and Hawaiian cuisine, often served as a side dish during barbecues and picnics.
The addition of tuna in this salad adds protein and a delicious sea flavor.
Black olives not only add a distinct taste but also provide a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.