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Macaroni Salad with Tuna Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

This creamy Macaroni Salad with Tuna is a delightful, protein-packed dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying meal. Combining tender pasta, flaky albacore tuna, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, herbaceous yogurt-mayo dressing, it’s a refreshing twist on a classic comfort food that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 ounces Dry Small Pasta (about 1/2 pound or 2 cups dry pasta)
  • 2 (5 ounce) Cans Albacore White Tuna, drained

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 2 large ribs Celery, finely sliced (about ¾ cup)
  • 3 medium Green Onions, thinly sliced (dark & light green parts only, about 1/3 cup)
  • 1 1/4 cup Frozen Peas, thawed
  • 1/2 small Red Onion, finely chopped (about scant 1/2 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Flat-leaf Parsley

Cheese and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Freshly Grated Parmesan (plus more for garnish)
  • Coarse Sea Salt, to taste
  • Ground Black Pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Celery Seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sweet Paprika (plus more for garnish)

Dressing

  • 2/3 cup Greek Yogurt (nonfat recommended) or Sour Cream
  • 1/3 cup Good-quality Mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar

Instructions

  1. Boil Macaroni Pasta: Add 2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) of water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Season the water with 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add the dry pasta and cook according to package instructions for 1 minute past al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside to cool completely.
  2. Mix Salad Dressing: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, celery seed, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk well until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, drained tuna, finely sliced celery, green onions, thawed peas, chopped red onion, chopped fresh dill, parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan. Gently toss to mix all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Salad Dressing: Pour half of the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Chill Tuna Macaroni Salad: Cover the pasta salad and the remaining dressing separately. Place both in the refrigerator and chill for 2 to 3 hours until cold and flavors meld.
  6. Serve Macaroni Salad with Tuna: Remove the salad from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to remove chill. Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing. Garnish with extra fresh dill, a sprinkle of paprika, and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best texture, cook pasta slightly beyond al dente so it’s tender but not mushy after chilling.
  • Drain tuna well to prevent soggy salad.
  • You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas if available.
  • Fresh herbs like dill and parsley add brightness but can be adjusted or omitted to taste.
  • If Greek yogurt is not available, sour cream can be used for a creamier dressing.
  • Leftover dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Allowing salad to sit at room temperature before serving enhances flavor and texture.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/macaroni-salad-with-tuna-recipe/