How to make a tuna and macaroni salad?

Start by boiling elbow macaroni until it's slightly softer than al dente — about 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, chopped bell peppers, green onions, celery, and fresh parsley. Add lemon juice and olive oil, then toss gently. Stir in the cooled pasta and blend with mayonnaise, paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, fold in chopped iceberg lettuce just before serving for a refreshing crunch. This combination of creamy dressing, savory tuna, and crisp vegetables creates a well-rounded flavor that’s perfect served chilled.

What are the 4 ingredients in tuna salad?

Traditional tuna salad typically contains tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion. These ingredients form a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful base. However, in this Tuna Macaroni Salad variation, we go a step further by adding cooked pasta, bell peppers, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon for acidity. The addition of pasta makes it heartier and more suitable as a stand-alone meal. If you're after a quick version, those four classic ingredients can still deliver big flavor with minimal prep.

What goes in tuna pasta salad?

A great tuna pasta salad includes cooked macaroni, canned tuna, a creamy element like mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and fresh add-ins. In this version, we use bell pepper, celery, parsley, and green onions for brightness and crunch. Lemon juice adds zing, olive oil gives richness, and paprika provides subtle warmth. The lettuce adds a cooling finish, especially when served fresh. You can customize it with pickles, olives, or boiled eggs depending on your preference or the occasion.

What to put in a tuna mac?

Think of a tuna mac as a blank canvas for bold flavor. Start with tuna and macaroni as your base, then layer in diced veggies like red bell pepper or celery. Season it up with lemon juice, herbs, and a creamy base like mayo or sour cream. Add-ins like shredded cheese or mustard can take it in a new direction. A finishing sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil rounds it out. Whether you keep it classic or give it a twist, the key is balancing flavor, texture, and freshness.

Tuna Macaroni Salad That’s Creamy, Fresh & Flavor-Packed

Description

Tuna Macaroni Salad with fresh herbs, mayo, and crispy veggies. Quick, creamy, and satisfying every time.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1 quart water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup chopped bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 to 1/3 head iceberg lettuce, sliced and roughly chopped into strips

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Stir in the salt and add the elbow macaroni. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until slightly softer than al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Prepare the Salad Base: While the macaroni cooks, combine the green onions, bell pepper, parsley, tuna, celery, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil and gently toss.
Combine Everything: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl. Mix in the mayonnaise and sprinkle with paprika. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well coated.
Add the Lettuce: Gently fold in the chopped lettuce just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pasta and Grain Salads
Method: Boiling, Mixing
Cuisine: American