Are you craving a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that comes together in just minutes? Look no further than this mouthwatering Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe! Packed with creamy goodness, zesty flavors, and a perfect blend of textures, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you simply want a tasty meal that requires minimal effort. Prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary culinary experience!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of diced celery
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Drain the can of tuna thoroughly and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller pieces.
- Dice the celery and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Add the diced celery and red onion to the bowl with the flaked tuna.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Allow it to drain completely.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl with the tuna, celery, and red onion. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with salt and pepper to taste. You can start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the macaroni and other ingredients in the large bowl. Stir until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper as desired.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final stir and serve chilled. Enjoy your Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe as a delightful side dish or a light meal!
Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tuna packed in water and drain it completely to prevent a watery salad.
- Cook the macaroni al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Dice your celery and red onion into uniform, small pieces to ensure even distribution of flavor in every bite.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a more robust taste.
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped pickles or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-calorie alternative.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 215kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
