This Tuna Macaroni Salad is something my Mom made often while we were growing up. It's the perfect side salad for a BBQ, picnic or potluck and I love that it's only 4 ingredients!
It's like a tuna sandwich, but instead of bread, it's encased in macaroni. Maybe I think of it that way because I love tuna sandwiches! But what surprised me most is that my kids absolutely love this salad! Because apparently, they don't even like tuna. It's interesting how kids won't eat something unless it's offered by someone other than their parents.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a simple 4 ingredient salad that can be thrown together last minute or made ahead. It's served cold so is perfect for feeding a crowd, or bringing along to a potluck, picnic or BBQ!
Had I been the one to introduce this salad to them, I'm guessing they wouldn't have eaten it. However, since Grandma made it, they were all over it! But I guess I shouldn't be surprised- my kids pretty much love everything that their Grandma makes. And although it may have tuna in it, tuna is simply a supporting character - macaroni is still the star of the show! And what kid doesn't love macaroni? In fact, my kids love macaroni more than almost any other food. It was not only my son's very first solid food, it was one of his first words; or 'nanaroni' as he called it back then. Macaroni is pure comfort food!
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
If I'm going to eat macaroni, I want to make it as healthy as possible. I use a light mayonnaise with half the fat and since whole wheat pasta takes such a long time to cook (and I find it a bit too dense), I prefer to use “smart pasta”. Smart pasta tends to cook faster than whole wheat but you still get 4X as much fibre than white pasta. Although it’s not quite as healthy as the whole wheat, you are still getting those additional benefits. And if you’re not a fan of whole wheat, it’s a good alternative. This will make your healthy tuna pasta salad even healthier than using white macaroni!
Read more about Smart Pasta HERE
Macaroni Salad with Tuna
I love this recipe because you can make it ahead or throw it together last minute. We often have macaroni salad with tuna on hot days with BBQ pork, steak or chicken and grilled veggies. It's also great for feeding a crowd or bringing along to a potluck!
4 Ingredient recipes
Speaking of 4 ingredient recipes, check out my other 4 ingredient dishes! I also have lots of 2, 3's and 5 ingredient recipes, as well!
4 Ingredient Caprese Salad Skewers
And the MOST POPULAR recipe on this blog:
4 Ingredient Whipped Shortbread Cookies
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Tuna Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 340 g - box elbow macaroni * I use SMART pasta
- ½ cup mayonnaise * I use Hellman's ½ the fat
- ¾ cup green onions, chopped *about 5 green onions
- 184 g -can of tuna, flaked drained
Instructions
- Cook macaroni as directed on box * I add a tsp of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
- Once cooked, drain and cool. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. * If you are in a hurry, you can rinse the macaroni with cold water to cool it faster!
- Drain tuna and add to macaroni, along with mayonnaise and green onion. Stir until incorporated.
Garnish
- Garnish with additional chopped onion. Serve cold.
Notes
Nutrition
More Side Salad Recipes!
Healthy Artichoke Roasted Red Pepper Coleslaw
This recipe is part of The Country Cook's Weekend Potluck!
I have had macaroni salad before but I never knew it could be this easy. I have never made this before. Thanks for another great recipe!
Thanks, Tina! Yes, it's crazy easy and so delicious!
I love that this comes together with only 4 ingredients. I am a big fan of both tuna salad and pasta salad so it's great to see them combined together!
I agree, Jenni! It's like a macaroni tuna sandwich 🙂
I love a great tuna sandwich so this recipe is a must-try for me!
Thank you, Michele - hope you enjoy it!
I love a simple pasta salad that's perfect for making ahead. Sounds perfect for packet lunches too!
It definitely is a great salad to pack for lunches, Amanda!
I think this is such a clever idea! I love simple, yet delicious recipes like these which can be put together quickly for a summer party or just when you're pressed for time. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Shinta, Yes, I love that it's perfect for last minute!
Hi Terri! Thx for the lunch idea! Just came home and I’m cooking up macaroni! Lol
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it, Jenny!
My Mother used to make tuna salad like this when I was a kid, everybody elses Mothers did too. I am 60 now.
Yes, my Mom and Grandma both made this salad. It's such comfort food, isn't it, Tracy?!