Refreshing Tuna Macaroni Salad
On a scorching summer day, this Refreshing Tuna Macaroni Salad is the ultimate dish to satisfy your cravings. Packed with protein from tuna and hard-boiled eggs, enhanced with the sweetness of green peas, and enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, this salad is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Serve it chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce, and pair it with a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade for a perfect summer lunch or snack. You might just find yourself going back for seconds—it's that good!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
hard-boiled eggs
3 (diced)
macaroni
3 cups (uncooked)
frozen green peas
10 ounces (thawed and drained)
canned tuna
12 ounces (drained and flaked (2 cans))
mayonnaise
1/2 to 1 cup (according to preference for moisture)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the macaroni according to package directions. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it down completely.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and thawed peas, stirring them gently to mix.
3
Add the diced hard-boiled eggs and flaked tuna to the bowl with the macaroni and peas. Stir the mixture carefully to avoid breaking up the eggs.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the macaroni salad slowly, stirring as you go to ensure even distribution. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your desired creaminess.
6
Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. For best results, let it chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve the chilled salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves, accompanied by your favorite lemonade.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Tuna Macaroni Salad?
It is a protein-packed cold pasta dish featuring macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and green peas tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the salad?
The main ingredients include hard-boiled eggs, uncooked macaroni, frozen green peas, canned tuna, and mayonnaise.
How much macaroni is needed?
You will need 3 cups of uncooked macaroni for this recipe.
How should the pasta be prepared?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, then drain it and rinse with cold water to cool it down completely.
What kind of tuna should be used?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces (two 6-ounce cans) of canned tuna, which should be drained and flaked.
How do I prepare the green peas?
Use 10 ounces of frozen green peas that have been thawed and drained.
How much mayonnaise is required for the dressing?
You can use between 1/2 to 1 cup of mayonnaise, depending on your personal preference for creaminess.
What seasonings are used in the salad?
The salad is seasoned simply with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour, but it is best if chilled overnight.
Why is it recommended to chill the salad overnight?
Chilling it overnight allows the various flavors to meld together for a better taste.
How should the salad be served?
Serve the chilled salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves.
What drink pairs well with this tuna macaroni salad?
A tall glass of ice-cold lemonade is recommended for a perfect summer pairing.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, its ability to be made ahead and served cold makes it an excellent choice for potlucks and outdoor gatherings.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While macaroni is traditional, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like shells or fusilli.
How many hard-boiled eggs are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 hard-boiled eggs, diced.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
Mix the cooked macaroni and peas first, then gently stir in the eggs and tuna to avoid breaking them up too much.
How do I make the dressing smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl before pouring it over the salad.
Can I adjust the amount of salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, but you can adjust these 'to taste'.
Should the peas be cooked?
No, you only need to thaw and drain the frozen peas before adding them to the salad.
How do I ensure the mayonnaise is evenly distributed?
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the salad slowly while stirring continuously.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
It is high in protein due to the tuna and eggs, though the mayonnaise content should be considered based on your dietary needs.
Can I add other vegetables like celery or onion?
While not in the base recipe, adding diced celery or red onion would provide extra crunch and flavor.
How should I cover the salad while it's in the fridge?
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a secure lid before refrigerating.
What texture should the macaroni have?
The macaroni should be cooked 'al dente' according to package instructions so it remains firm in the salad.
Is this a good recipe for hot weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a refreshing dish for scorching summer days.
How long will leftovers stay fresh?
Leftovers can generally be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, though it will change the flavor profile to be sweeter and tangier.
Do I need to rinse the pasta with cold water?
Yes, rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from getting mushy.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Absolutely, the ingredients scale easily for larger crowds.