This Tuna Macaroni Salad Is My Favorite Cool and Creamy Side

This Tuna Macaroni Salad Is My Favorite Cool and Creamy Side

Some dishes are timeless for a reason, and

Prep: min | Cook: min | Total: min

Servings:

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
• 1 (12 oz) can tuna, drained
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or more to taste)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• ¼ cup red or sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp sweet relish (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional add-ins: chopped hard-boiled eggs, green peas, shredded cheddar cheese
• Ingredient Tips & Swaps:
• Mayonnaise Base: Lighten it up with Greek yogurt or add Dijon for extra tang.
• Sour Cream Swap: Try plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
• No Tuna? Use canned chicken or chickpeas for a twist.
• Eggs & Cheddar: Both add protein and richness—great for turning this into a full meal.
• Step-by-Step Instructions:
• Cook PastaBoil elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and drain well.
• Mix the DressingIn a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, and sweet relish (if using).
• Combine SaladAdd cooled macaroni, tuna, celery, and onion to the bowl. Gently fold until well mixed and coated.
• Taste & AdjustAdd more mayo, salt, or relish as needed for your desired flavor and texture.
• Chill & ServeRefrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors come together. Serve cold and garnish with parsley or paprika if desired.
• Tips for Success:
• Rinse the noodles well: This stops the cooking and prevents clumping.
• Use tuna in water for a lighter flavor, or oil-packed for richness.
• Chill time is key: It lets the dressing soak into the pasta for max flavor.
• Double the recipe for meal prep—this salad holds up beautifully in the fridge.
• Serving Suggestions & Pairings:
• A tall glass of Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing drink that complements the creamy salad.
• Crunchy crackers or buttery croissants on the side.
• These Easy Turkey Wings for a warm, savory counterpoint.
• This Big Family Banana Pudding to round out the meal with a sweet, nostalgic finish.
• For a simple dessert, enjoy These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites.
• Storage & Leftovers:
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Do Not Freeze: Mayonnaise-based salads don't freeze well.
• Refresh with a Spoonful of Mayo before serving if it thickens in the fridge.
• More Recipes You’ll Love:
• A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo in Sight)
• These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
• This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
• These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime

Instructions

1. Cook : PastaBoil elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and drain well.
2. Mix the : DressingIn a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, and sweet relish (if using).
3. Combine : SaladAdd cooled macaroni, tuna, celery, and onion to the bowl. Gently fold until well mixed and coated.
4. Taste & : AdjustAdd more mayo, salt, or relish as needed for your desired flavor and texture.
5. Chill & : ServeRefrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors come together. Serve cold and garnish with parsley or paprika if desired.
6. Tips for Success: Rinse the noodles well: This stops the cooking and prevents clumping.
7. Use tuna in water for a lighter flavor, or oil-packed for richness.
8. Chill time is key: It lets the dressing soak into the pasta for max flavor.
9. Double the recipe for meal prep—this salad holds up beautifully in the fridge.
10. Serving Suggestions & Pairings: Serve this salad as a standalone lunch, picnic side, or part of a casual summer dinner. Try pairing with:
11. A tall glass of : Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing drink that complements the creamy salad.
12. Crunchy crackers or buttery croissants on the side.
13. These : Easy Turkey Wings for a warm, savory counterpoint.
14. This : Big Family Banana Pudding to round out the meal with a sweet, nostalgic finish.
15. For a simple dessert, enjoy : These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites.
16. Storage & Leftovers: Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
17. Do Not : Freeze: Mayonnaise-based salads don't freeze well.
18. Refresh with a : Spoonful of Mayo before serving if it thickens in the fridge.
19. More Recipes You’ll Love: A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo in Sight)
20. These : Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
21. This : Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
22. These : Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
23. This : Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
24. Final Thoughts: This Tuna Macaroni Salad is one of those recipes that sticks with you—simple, satisfying, and deeply comforting. Whether you're packing lunch for the week, planning a picnic, or just craving something cold and creamy, this dish always delivers.
25. Tried it? Let us know how you made it your own! And follow ChefManiac for more tried-and-true classics, cool twists, and everyday kitchen inspiration.

Nutrition

• Calories:
• Fat:
• Carbs:
• Protein:

Rate This Recipe

Average Rating: 0 (0 votes)