Pin it
My tuna mac salad's been the star of my backyard parties for ages. It's got that perfect mix of creamy, zesty, and rich tastes that makes folks come back for seconds at every get-together.
I first threw this tuna mac salad together when I needed something speedy for a surprise cookout. It was such a smash hit that my sister's husband asked me to bring it to every family event after that.
Components
- Elbow pasta: Gives the ideal form to capture the luscious dressing
- Mayonnaise: Forms the smooth foundation that ties all parts together
- Sweet pickle relish: Delivers zip and gentle sweetness that complements the meaty tuna
- Celery seed: Adds a unique taste that transforms this from basic to remarkable
- Tuna: Water-packed, keeps the dish light while adding protein
- Hard-boiled eggs: Bring creaminess and extra protein making this more filling
- Shallots: Give a softer and more refined taste than standard onions
- Frozen peas: Add a burst of sweetness and vivid green color
How To Fix Tuna Mac Salad
- Get the pasta ready:
- Cook the elbow macaroni following box instructions until tender but firm, around 8 minutes. Don't let it get mushy as it'll soak up moisture from the sauce later.
- Mix up the sauce:
- In a big bowl, blend mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice till smooth. The lemon adds brightness and balances the richness.
- Put in the protein:
- Mix in the well-drained tuna, breaking larger pieces so it spreads evenly throughout the dish.
- Join everything:
- Strain the cooked pasta and cool it under cold water until totally chilled, stopping it from cooking more and washing away extra starch. Add the cool pasta to the sauce mix.
- Toss in extras:
- Carefully mix in the diced hard-boiled eggs, chopped shallot, and defrosted peas. The leftover warmth from the pasta will slightly heat the peas just right.
- Cool it down:
- Put plastic wrap over the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least two hours, letting all the flavors come together. This waiting time matters because the pasta soaks up the sauce flavors.
Pin it
That celery seed is truly the hidden gem in this dish. One time I left it out when I ran short and my hubby instantly felt something wasn't there. Those tiny seeds pack an amazing flavor kick that really makes this salad pop.
Keeping It Fresh
This tuna mac salad stays good in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The taste actually gets better after day one as everything mingles together. If you find it dries out after sitting, which can happen when the pasta drinks up the dressing, just mix in a spoon or two of mayo or a dash of milk to bring it back to life before you serve it.
Swap-Out Options
This dish works great with whatever you've got handy. Try canned salmon instead of tuna for a new taste twist. Plain Greek yogurt can step in for some or all of the mayo to make it tangier and lighter. Red onion does the job if you don't have shallots, though it'll taste stronger. Chopped celery, thawed or fresh corn, or diced sweet peppers can take the place of peas based on what you like.
Pin it
Pairing Ideas
This tuna mac salad works great as a main lunch dish placed on lettuce leaves with some hearty bread nearby. For dinner, team it up with grilled veggies or a basic green salad. At cookouts or outdoor meals, it goes hand in hand with other favorites like crispy chicken, stuffed eggs, and juicy watermelon. For a pretty look, put it in a clear glass bowl topped with egg slices, a sprinkle of paprika, and some fresh herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the pasta for another kind?
Definitely! Shells, penne, or any small pasta will work just fine.
- → How long should it cool in the fridge?
Make sure to refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the flavors settle and it fully cools down.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You sure can! Make it the day before, store it tightly sealed in the fridge, and stir before serving.
- → What works instead of sweet pickle relish?
If you’re out of sweet relish, try chopped dill pickles for a tart flavor or skip it completely.
- → Can I add other veggies to it?
Of course! Diced peppers, celery, or shredded carrots will add great crunch and extra flavor.
- → What’s a lighter option for this dish?
Switch to low-fat mayo or mix in some Greek yogurt in place of some mayo for a healthier version.