Tuna Macaroni Salad brings back so many childhood memories, just like my Italian dressing pasta, Creamy chicken salad, and Creamy Spaghetti seafood salad recipes. It’s perfect for picnics, family summer cookouts, parties, and other social events. So check it out! I promise it will become a family favorite!
My grandma, Viola Taylor
Hey PBJs, today I’m going to show you how I prepare my grandma Viola’s easy famous Southern Tuna Macaroni Salad recipe. She made it every time we threw a cookout and that made me very happy because I loved it so much!
Her classic southern Tuna Macaroni salad is what I looked forward to eating the most at every family event and this recipe here is a modified version of her masterpiece.
I made it the way she did with a few more additions because I had to put my own lil spin on it. So give it a try and tell me how ya like it! I promise after trying it you’ll crown it THE BEST Tuna Macaroni Salad Ever!
Tuna macaroni is probably my favorite salad after only potato salad because I’m sorry but, NOTHING TOPS POTATO SALAD!
Potato salad is THE UNDISPUTED CHAMP, especially my Southern Potato salad recipe but this tuna macaroni is definitely a very close second!
When she’d make tuna macaroni salad she never and I mean NEVER measured the ingredients. She would just do what most older southern women do, as that’s cook from the soul with her eyes.
And if something isn’t to their liking, they’ll add a little more of this and a little more of that until it tastes just right.
I don’t usually measure when I cook either but as a blogger, I have to use measurements in order to create recipes. She was my maternal grandmother and the sweetest woman in the world – AND I MEAN THAT!!!
She’s the one who helped me take my Tuna Macaroni salad to another level. Whenever she made tuna macaroni salad during the summer for family reunions and cookouts, she would always use red onions.
I remember asking her why and she said red onions were the best choice of onions for salads and that they added color to it. Another thing she did that separated her tuna macaroni from others, was adding dill pickles to it!
“Why Pickles, Grandma”?
I remember giving her the stank face and bombastic side eyes the first time I saw her putting them in the salad. I said, “Grandma… pickles tho”? and she emphatically said, “Yessss, my mother used to put them in hers.
You don’t like pickles”? And I responded, “Not in Tuna Macaroni Salad”!!! Well, when the salad was all done, nice & chilled, I ate it with some BBQ chicken & Ribs.
Let me tell you something folks, it was so good I devoured it in under 5 minutes. Lmbo! The pickles added something special to it.
I love how it balanced and added another layer of flavor to the salad. You get a lil sweetness from the sweet relish and a lil tart from the pickles – a great combination.
So because of her, I’ve been making it this way ever since and she’s the reason for this amazing tuna macaroni salad recipe I created. love you Viola Taylor!!!
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Pasta: This is tuna macaroni salad so this is the main ingredient. Use a good brand of macaroni like, “Elbow”.
- Add-ins: Tuna, and eggs.
- Vegetable add-ins: Red onions, red peppers, green peppers, celery, and dill pickles.
- Seasonings: Salt, Old Bay seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Sugar, Paprika, and Parsley.
- Condiments: Mayo, Mustard, and Sweet Relish.
- Other: Vegetable Oil
Common questions about macaroni
Now when it comes to macaroni, there are a few things you should know…
What brand of macaroni do you use?
A good name brand like Barilla, Mueller’s, and Ronzoni, to De Cecco and San Giorgio
Should you boil the macaroni with oil?
I used to do that because there’s a belief that it keeps the pasta from sticking but I think it’s pointless.
Even if it does stick a little while boiling, it’ll easily come apart once you stir everything in.
Why do you add salt to pasta water?
It adds flavor and limits the starch.
How to know when the macaroni is done?
Whenever you’re boiling pasta, no matter which kind, you want to cook it until it’s al dente.
Which means cooked til tender but firm. You don’t want it to be soggy, bloated, and limp!
Should you rinse the macaroni when it’s done?
I received a few comments under my Italian Salad YouTube video asking if chilling the pasta with a rinse of cool water is necessary.
You definitely want to remove it from the hot water and pot so it doesn’t continue cooking and become soggy white and bloated.
Some say it can continue to cook in the colander as it sits because it’s still very hot so a light rinse in cold water is always good to stop the cooking process – just make sure you give it time to dry before adding it to the mixing bowl.
About the Tuna
I like to use “chunk light tuna“ because it comes in smaller flakes which makes it easier to chop. Light tuna is also darker and has more flavor – white tuna isn’t as flavorful.
So yea, that’s why light tuna is the better option, the more flavor the BETTER!!! White tuna comes from Albacore, a larger fish with lighter-colored flesh, a firmer texture, and a milder flavor than the solid or chunk light fish varieties.
Water vs Oil-packed Tuna
Now you’re probably wondering what the difference is between WATER PACKED AND OIL PACKED TUNA.
Both are a great source of protein and low in saturated fats which is good but oil-packed tuna is a little softer, a little richer in flavor, and tends to be higher in calories and in total fat.
Water-packed tuna is drier as well the residue from the oil keeps the oil-packed tuna moist even after you remove it from the can.
Water-packed tuna is good for tuna macaroni salad where other fats like mayo which has oil in it are added. Oil-packed tuna is perfect for a dish where no other condiments with additional fat and flavor are added.
About the eggs
The question I always get from my subscribers about salads is, “Do you discard the yolk or add it to the salad”? And my answer is, It’s totally up to you! I always add the yolk and so does everyone in my family.
I always add the yolks because I find it gives the salad a nice taste. The egg yolk stretches the salad, changes the consistently, and gives it color.
I would recommend adding it but there shouldn’t be a drastic difference in taste if you decide to omit the yolks.
Smash the yolk with a fork to remove the lumps so the broken yolk is as fine as possible making it able to spread throughout the salad.
Why I chose these vegetables
- Red onions: Onions are a must in tuna macaroni but I like using red onions because they work well with salads because of their mild flavor.
I also like using them because they’re pretty so I use them not just for the taste but to give the salad color. - Red peppers: Red peppers are sweeter than green peppers so using them provides a good balance of flavor to the salad. You don’t want to use too many green peppers because they’re more bitter so I use both.
Red peppers just like red onions also add color to the salad so I use them for that purpose as well. - Celery: Celery is such an important ingredient and if you don’t have any use celery salt or seeds. The celery flavor helps make the salad what it is.
- Pickles: I don’t think I need to say much about the pickles and what they bring to the salad.
They give the salad balance and provide another layer of flavor… giving it not only a pickle flavor but a hint of sourness which is needed since it has sugar and sweet relish in it.
About the seasonings and spices
When you put your own spin on a recipe, that’s called modifying it! So what I added to my tuna macaroni salad that my lovely Grandma Viola didn’t, is Old Bay seasoning.
She kept it simple with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. I dont even think she put sugar in hers. She just added used the seasonings you really needed. Haha
- Sugar: I use sugar for a little sweetness
- Old Bay: Everyone knows this is one of the best seafood seasonings ever and enhances the seafood flavor of any dish.
- Garlic, onion powder, and black pepper: These 3 seasonings are linked together like a singing trio because whenever you see one, you’re likely going to see the other 2.
They’re like a PACKAGE! Lol! Probably 3 seasonings that are used TOGETHER the most.
That’s because they, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMBINED, make everything taste good. Meat, salads, you name it… - Paprika and parsley: These 2 aren’t NECESSARY they’re just for decoration purposes but my Nana Alice would kill you if you brought her white-looking salad. Lol!
Beautifying the salad by giving it some color was a MUST TO HER!
Salt to taste
Now here is what I want to say about the SALT and all the seasonings actually. We all have different sensitivity levels to SALT so if you’re concerned about over-seasoning the salad, feel free to salt to taste.
Wait until after you combine everything and then add in a little salt at a time until it’s to your liking.
Some people have commented that they loved the salad but it was too salty for them. Others said they had to add more salt so yea…. salt to taste!
About the condiments
- Mayo: I use Hellmann’s mayo. I was raised on it, stand by it, and will be loyal to it! Lol! It just does it for me… there are other good brands of mayo but Hellmann’s is “THE BEST”!!!
- Mustard: I like to use yellow mustard. You can use spicy mustard if you’d like to add a little heat to the salad but I just like regular yellow mustard.
The vinegar in the mustard adds a little tanginess which gives the salad balance because it’s sweet and tangy and it provides a little color. - Sweet relish: Sweet relish, just like the pickles adds a pickle flavor to the salad but a sweet pickle flavor providing more depth of flavor and adds to the salad’s overall deliciousness!
How to make Tuna macaroni salad
1. Fill one medium-sized pot with water and a little salt, and a small pot with water. When the water comes to a boil, add the eggs to the small pot and boil for 15 minutes. Add the macaroni to the medium pot and cook until al dente.
2. While the water is preheating, open the cans of Tuna and strain the water, then chop the tuna up.
3. What I do next is chop the vegetables.
4. Once the eggs are done, remove the shell and chop the whites and egg yolks.
5. Rinse the macaroni once done and sit aside until chilled.
6. Add the macaroni, tuna, eggs, and vegetables to a big serving bowl.
7. Then add in the seasonings, except the paprika and parsley flakes, then fold well.
8. Add in the mayo, relish, and mustard, then fold well!
9. Top with paprika and parsley flakes, and BOOM… it’s all done!! Cover the salad with plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator.
THE BEST Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe EVER 2019 Video
Tips for best results
- Strain the tuna: Listen, we don’t want any of that water getting inside the salad. It’ll not only loosen the salad but dilute the taste.
The water will also prevent the mayo and tuna from adhering to the pasta and we don’t want that!!!
So make sure the Tuna’s as dry as possible because it’s already pretty soupy when it goes into the refrigerator!! - Chop the tuna finely: Chop up the tuna once you remove it from the can. You don’t have to chop it up too much… you just want to chop the big chunks of tuna into little pieces.
This way the tuna is spread all throughout the salad and you can taste it in every bite. - Chop the vegetables small: I chop them into really small pieces because I not only hate biting into big pieces of vegetables but I like them to be well spread throughout the salad so I can taste a little in each bite.
Also, vegetables like onions and peppers are kind of strong and pungent. Most people don’t want too much of that flavor at once, so giving it to them in small dosages with small pieces in each bite works better. Lol!
What to serve with Tuna macaroni salad
- Baked Steak And Red Potatoes – You can never go wrong with tuna salad served alongside some tender savory steak.
- Baked Whole Chicken Recipe – Chicken, I don’t care if it’s fried, baked, or grilled goes great with tuna macaroni salad. I think it’s that mayo and meat combo that makes it HIT!
- Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe – I saved the best for last, listen… do I need to pitch sale this? It’s BBQ we’re talking about.
I don’t care if you’re talking grilled BBQ chicken, baked BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, or BBQ burgers, this goes great with ANYTHING BBQ but y’all already know this!!!
I’m sure someone in your family always brought tuna mac salad to the family summer cookouts.
BBQ anything and mac salad, tuna mac, seafood, or potato salad are like the perfect unions, matches only made in heaven. I don’t even want BBQ without one of these salads.
Making it ahead of time
Ok so when it comes to preparing the salad ahead of time for an event or something it depends on how many days prior you want to prepare it.
- Boil the Pasta and chop the vegetables: If you just want to save some time for whatever reason and want to have the salad darn near done before a particular occasion, you can boil the pasta and chop up the vegetables.
Then make sure they’re tightly sealed in two separate containers and store in the freezer. Just make sure you give the macaroni time to chill completely before adding it to the freezer.
And when you’re ready to make it fully, give the frozen vegetables and macaroni time to unthaw before combining everything.
This is a good option if you want to just knock out half the recipes days in advance. - Make the salad and store it in the refrigerator: Now if you want to prepare it a day or two before just make it and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s tightly sealed in a Tupperware bowl or plastic wrap.
I like to prepare my salads a day before anyway because after sitting in the frig overnight, it tastes a thousand times better because all the ingredients have had time to marry!!
Everything tastes better when you let it sit for a while, that’s why leftovers are so good! Lol!
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to use macaroni pasta?
Not necessarily! But it is called “macaroni” salad for a reason! But if you like the dressing and would like to use these ingredients with another type of pasta, go for it!!!
How to store Tuna macaroni salad?
Tightly seal the salad with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. I like to place it on the bottom row so it doesn’t freeze! Lol!
How long does Tuna macaroni salad last?
3 days… after 3 days salads rarely taste the same or as good to me. They aren’t meant to last long and it’s so good I don’t think it will. Lol!
Those of you who follow me on social media may remember me saying I’ll be creating a lot of salad recipes this month. Well, it’s late May and I’ve already posted two salad recipes for you guys.
It’s getting hot and I know y’all are gonna want some salad recipes to make for this summer cookouts. This tuna macaroni salad is the bomb and one of the best tuna macaroni salad recipes you’re gonna find online.
So I’m begging y’all to give it a shot – trust me ya won’t regret it and make sure you subscribe so you never miss a recipe!
And if you like this salad as much as I do, share your thoughts below in the comment section and give us 5 stars, it helps us a lot in these Google streets! Lol!
Enjoy, later!
PBJ~
THE BEST Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe EVER (With Video)
Tasty, creamy, tuna macaroni salad recipe. The perfect salad for picnics, parties, and BBQ cookouts.
- Total Time: 40 Mins
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
8 oz Elbow Macaroni
2 Qts Water + 1 Tsp Salt
(2) 5 oz Canned Chunk Light Tuna In Water
3 Large Eggs (1 for decoration purposes)
2 Tbs Red Onions, finely chopped
2 Tbs Celery, finely chopped
2 Tbs Dill Pickles, finely chopped
1 Tbs Green Bell Peppers, finely chopped
1 Tbs Red Bell Peppers, finely chopped
2 Cups Hellman’s Mayo
1/4 Cup Sweet Relish
1 Tbs Mustard
1 Tbs Sugar
2 Tsps Old Bay Seasoning
1 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
Paprika (For decoration purposes)
Parsley Flakes (For decoration purposes)
Instructions
1. Fill a large pot with cool water, add 1 tsp of salt, and place it over high heat.
2. Add the eggs to a small pot and fill with enough water to cover the eggs by 1 inch and place over high heat.
3. After 10 minutes, or once the water in the large pot comes to a boil, add the pasta, and stir well. Boil the pasta for 10 minutes then strain the water immediately.
4. Once the pot of eggs come to a boil, boil the eggs for 15 minutes. Afterward, place them in a bowl of cool water to chill.
5. Meanwhile, open and strain as much water from the cans of tuna, chop the tuna into small pieces, then set aside.
6. Chop the onion, celery, pickles, and peppers into small pieces.
7. Once the eggs chill, remove the shell, smash the yolks, and chop the whites into small pieces. (Only use 2 of the 3 eggs here)
8. Get a large mixing bowl, add in the macaroni, tuna, chopped vegetables, chopped eggs, and seasonings, then stir well.
9. Then add in the mayo, relish, and mustard and stir well.
10. For decoration purposes, slice the remaining egg into 6-8 circular pieces, place over salad, then garnish with paprika and parsley.
11. Cover the salad with plastic wrap, then set in the refrigerator to chill.
Notes
Garnishing the salad with Paprika and Parsley flakes is optional and how much you use is completely up to you.
- Prep Time: 20 Mins
- Cook Time: 20 Mins
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
by
20 Responses
Whenever I’m following someone else I like on YouTube channel I have to revert to your recipe to see if they are using the same ingredients. You are the truth
I’ve used the majority of your recipes and they are all wonderful! I always print them out. You need a cooking 👨🏾🍳 show. Thank you for sharing.❤️
My 1st dish I tried was your cornbread stuffing. OMG. Da bomb dot.com😊 .My son’s are grown & they love it.!!! This has been on my Thanksgiving table for the last 3 years. You are a excellent teacher. I love the step by step. Thank you so much! Stay healthy & safe!!!!
Absolutely Amazing…this macaroni salad recipe is my FAVORITE!!! As a subscriber of your channel, I can say that you have not made anything that I haven’t loved! Great Job!!!!
1st time making it and it came out amazing…now I want to invite my friends over to try it…
I just made this today and it was absolutely delicious! My even gave it a thumbs up and she’s hard to please! Thank you for sharing your gift! ❤️😊
This was my first attempt at making tuna macaroni salad, and it turned out great! Thanks for a wonderful recipe! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Philly boy Jay it gets no better than you, your grandmother has blessed your hands from above. Thank for paying attention when she was cooking.
I love tuna salad I will try this one on labor day 2019
All. Is good till you get to the tuna- use the Italian tuna in olive oil. Sooo good
Email recipe please
Your food is good. Tried several of your recipes. It’s REALLY JAY FROM PHILLY!!
I have more enstored!!!
This is perfect mix of sweet and savory. I had about six spoonfuls and it aint even all the way done yet!! Thank you for helping me to get compliments from the hubby that I’m a great cook when really it’s just Philly Boy Jay’s recipes helping me along the way!!!! You need a cooking show! I would watch!!
So glad you liked it.. that’s the balance I was talking about .
I made this for my family for a cookout and it was a hit. Every one loved it. Thank you for a great recipe.
You said this is your 2nd favorite summer salad recipe. What salad has the #1 spot for you?
Oops! Just noticed the “Potato Salad is #1 after reading for the 2nd time. I was wondering if potato would take the top place, the dense filling of potatoes are comfort food for sure.
I’m printing out the recipe & on my way to the grocery store. You’ve got me craving!
I have tried and made just about all the dishes great instructions great advice great outcomes love love the dishes keep them coming
Thanks, im glad you’ve been enjoying them 🙂