Creamy Tuna Macaroni Salad Delight
Indulge in this Creamy Tuna Macaroni Salad Delight, a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings. Served chilled on a crisp bed of lettuce, it makes a delightful main course for warm evenings or a delicious side for barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs. The combination of tender pasta, protein-rich tuna, and vibrant vegetables mixed with creamy dressing creates a satisfying and colorful addition to your potluck contributions or picnics. This easy-to-make dish will surely become a family favorite with its blend of textures and flavors that keep everyone coming back for more!
8
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked pasta
4 cups (shell, macaroni, or curly)
green onion
1 cup (chopped)
tuna in water
2 cans (drained)
colby cheese
2 cups (cubed (or cheddar, jack))
hard boiled eggs
6 (chopped)
frozen peas
1 package (8 ounces) (thawed (petite peas preferred))
dill weed
2 teaspoons
dill pickle relish
1/2 cup
salad dressing
2 cups ((Miracle Whip or mayonnaise))
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped green onions, drained tuna, cubed cheese, chopped hard-boiled eggs, thawed peas, dill weed, and dill pickle relish.
2
Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well incorporated.
3
Gradually add the salad dressing (Miracle Whip or mayonnaise) and mix gently until the pasta and ingredients are coated evenly.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Before serving, give the salad a good stir. If it appears dry, add additional salad dressing to achieve your preferred creaminess.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna Macaroni Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing, protein-rich dish featuring tender pasta, tuna, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
What kind of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 4 cups of cooked pasta such as shell, macaroni, or curly shapes.
What type of tuna is best for this salad?
It is recommended to use 2 cans of tuna in water, thoroughly drained.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Can I use Miracle Whip or mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use either Miracle Whip or mayonnaise based on your personal preference.
What kind of cheese should I add?
You can use 2 cups of cubed Colby cheese, or substitute it with cheddar or jack cheese.
Do I need to cook the peas first?
No, you only need to thaw an 8-ounce package of frozen peas (petite peas are preferred).
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
What should I do if the salad seems dry after chilling?
Before serving, give it a good stir and add additional salad dressing until you reach your preferred creaminess.
What are the nutritional stats per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 22.5g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
How many eggs are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped.
What kind of relish is used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of dill pickle relish for a tangy flavor.
How much green onion is required?
You will need 1 cup of chopped green onions.
What is the primary seasoning for this salad?
The salad is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dill weed, along with salt and pepper to taste.
How should I serve this macaroni salad?
It is best served chilled, ideally on a crisp bed of lettuce.
Is this salad suitable as a main course?
Yes, it makes a delightful main course for warm evenings or a great side for barbecued meats.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include tuna, macaroni salad, creamy salad, potluck, summer recipe, and side dish.
How much dressing should I use initially?
Start with 2 cups of salad dressing and mix gently until the ingredients are coated evenly.
Can I use cheddar instead of colby cheese?
Yes, cheddar or jack cheese are perfect substitutes for colby cheese.
What is the preparation for the hard-boiled eggs?
The eggs should be hard-boiled and then chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
Is salt and pepper specifically measured?
No, you should add salt and pepper to your personal taste after mixing the ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed for this dish.
What is the first step in making the salad?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, onions, tuna, cheese, eggs, peas, dill weed, and relish.
Why is it important to refrigerate the salad?
Refrigeration allows the flavors of the various ingredients and dressing to meld together properly.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Yes, its colorful appearance and easy-to-make nature make it an excellent choice for potlucks and picnics.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
The recipe calls for thawed frozen peas, but you could use fresh peas if they are blanched first.
What textures can I expect from this dish?
You will enjoy a blend of tender pasta, creamy dressing, and the slight crunch of green onions and relish.
Should the pasta be warm when mixing?
The recipe specifies cooked pasta, but for best results in a chilled salad, it should be cooled before mixing with the mayo and other ingredients.
What pairs well with this salad for a BBQ?
It pairs wonderfully with barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs.
Is the fiber content high in this recipe?
The fiber content is not specified in the nutritional data, though the peas and pasta will provide some.