Macaroni and Tuna Salad

Macaroni and tuna salad.  The weekend barbecue staple.  The fun Sunday dinner side dish.  Perfectly creamy with tons of flavor.  Inexpensive to make. Completely satisfying and can be eaten as a meal entirely on its own.  I can go on and on, obviously.  I love macaroni and tuna salad.  I remember loving as a kid; my mom makes the BEST macaroni and tuna salad and this is my version of the one she makes.  I added carrots and swapped green pepper for red pepper for additional sweetness.  This is a very forgiving recipe and it comes out great every single time.  I have always eyeballed the measurements but tried my best to gage and note the exact amounts I was using to create this post.  Here's how I did it.

Ingredients

1/2 Medium Red Onion, Finely Diced

1/4 Medium Red Bell Pepper, Finely Diced

2 Medium Carrots, Shredded

3 Cans Solid White Tuna, in Water

1 Box Elbow Macaroni Noodles, Cooked and Rinsed

6 Boiled Eggs

1 & 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise

2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard

1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

2 Heaping Tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish

1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano

1 Teaspoon Celery Seed

1 Teaspoon Lawry's Seasoning Salt

2 Tablespoons Sugar

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Paprika, for Garnish

 

{While your noodles and eggs are boiling, begin by shredding your carrots and dicing your pepper and onion. Set aside.}

{After hard boiling your eggs, I use this method, peel them, shred four of them and reserve the remaining two to garnish the bowl.}

{In a really large bowl, add your mayonnaise, mustard, relish, apple cider vinegar, seasoning salt, oregano, celery seed and sugar.}

{Mix this really well to combine all ingredients.}

{To your dressing mixture, add the shredded carrots and chopped pepper and onion.}

{Drain your tuna really well and add it to the bowl.}

{Add in your drained/rinsed noodles to the bowl.  This is a lot of pasta and you want this dish to be flavorful so season with a bit of salt and pepper.}

{Mix this really well and taste for additional seasoning.}

{Here is where I decided that the two cans of tuna wasn't enough so I added in another can.  I also added in about two tablespoons of mayonnaise and some black pepper.  See how the texture is for you.  If you think it needs something, add it in!}

{Mix well, taste and taste to be sure it isn't missing anything.}

{Add your macaroni and tuna salad to a big pretty bowl.}

{Slice the two remaining boiled eggs and arrange on top before sprinkling on paprika for prettiness. :)}

We had the salad with barbecued ribs and hamburgers for a casual Sunday dinner, along with sautéed green beans. Simple and delicious!  Are you a fan of macaroni and tuna salad?

xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥