Quick Tuna-Macaroni Salad
A quick, flavorful tuna macaroni salad with peas, eggs, and crunchy vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or picnic, combining creamy and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can macaroni and cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. can peas, drained ⓘ
- 6 1/2 or 7 oz. can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced dried onion ⓘ
- 6 medium tomatoes ⓘ
- lettuce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the macaroni and cheese, drained peas, flaked tuna, chopped eggs, mayonnaise, chopped green pepper, prepared mustard, dried onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill.
- Cut each tomato into wedges, cutting to but not through the base of the tomato.
- Spread the tomato wedges apart slightly and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Cover and chill the tomatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the salad. You can substitute the canned tuna with canned chicken for a different protein option. If you're short on time, skip the hard-cooked eggs, or use pre-cooked eggs available in stores. This salad is versatile, so feel free to toss in any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Tuna-Macaroni Salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. For a delightful seafood-themed gathering, consider serving it with dishes like Tuna Turnover Delights or Crabmeat Puffs for a well-rounded feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after chilling, mix in a little extra mayonnaise or salad dressing before serving. To serve leftovers, simply enjoy them cold, as the flavors meld beautifully after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Tuna-Macaroni Salad contains roughly 415 calories, with 22g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (141% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1349mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier when served the next day.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for mayonnaise. It adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. You can also use avocado for a unique twist while keeping it healthy.
Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply replace the macaroni and cheese with a gluten-free pasta option. Many brands offer gluten-free macaroni that will work perfectly in this recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).