Creamy Tuna Macaroni Salad

Section: Fresh and Vibrant Salad Recipes

This creamy macaroni salad features tender pasta mixed with albacore tuna, shredded cheddar, sweet peas, and crunchy celery, all bound together by a tangy dressing made from mayo, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. It’s a classic summer dish that’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor and texture, making it perfect for casual lunches or as a refreshing side at barbecues. The mix of savory and tangy notes creates a delightful harmony that’s easy to love.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Fri, 04 Jul 2025 18:39:42 GMT
A bowl of creamy tuna macaroni salad. Bookmark
A bowl of creamy tuna macaroni salad. | foodbymary.com

Creamy Tuna Macaconi Salad is made for summer eating! It’s packed with cheesy pasta, tuna, vegetables, and more. Serve it for a quick lunch or as a BBQ side dish!

Old Fashioned Tuna Pasta Salad

I’m going to be honest with you guys. I don’t like mayo and I don’t like peas, but I do like both when they are put in Tuna Macaroni Salad. It makes absolutely no sense and I have no good explanation for it… except that this pasta salad is delicious and you must all try it immediately.

Maybe I like this old fashioned tuna macaroni salad because it’s such a classic recipe. Backtracking a little, when the weather gets warm, it is obviously pasta salad season. And, if you’re going to make creamy pasta salad, a classic dish, you might as well combine it with another totally classic recipe – tuna salad. Hence tuna pasta salad! Combine tuna, mayonnaise, and pasta, and you’ve got a winning dish that nobody can turn down – not even me.

Anyhow, in addition to the tuna, it’s got celery, peas, cheese, a little mustard… long story short, these flavors and textures will blow your mind. So, give in and make this easy pasta salad already!

What You’ll Need

  • Pasta: My go-to is elbow macaroni, but you can use shells, or another kind of small pasta.
  • Mayonnaise: Feel free to use reduced fat mayo, or regular mayo – whatever sounds best to you!
  • Sweet Relish: You don’t have to use sweet relish, something like dill relish would be fine too. Just keep in mind that the flavoring will differ slightly.
  • Mustard: I like to use stone ground Dijon mustard for this recipe.
  • Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon for a little tanginess in your pasta salad.
  • Seasoning: Grab some celery salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Tuna: I like to use a can of albacore tuna, drained.
  • Sweet Peas: Peas add great texture to a pasta salad!
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is my favorite way to go, though you could dice it into cubes instead.
  • Celery: Chop up some celery stalks before starting the salad (about 3).
  • Shallots: Mince ahead of time.

How to Make Tuna Macaroni Salad

Cook the Pasta:
In a large stock pot, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions.
Prepare the Dressing:
While it is cooking, in a large bowl, whisk together mayo, relish, dijon mustard, lemon juice, celery salt and pepper. Add in tuna, peas, cheddar cheese, celery and shallots.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once macaroni is cooked, drain it well and stir into the tuna mixture. Mix well. Serve immediately.
A bowl of creamy tuna macaroni salad. Bookmark
A bowl of creamy tuna macaroni salad. | foodbymary.com
A bowl of creamy tuna macaroni salad. Bookmark
A bowl of creamy tuna macaroni salad. | foodbymary.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best in this salad?

Elbow macaroni is ideal for this dish due to its size and shape, but small shells or other small pasta varieties work well too.

→ Can I substitute the mayo in the dressing?

Yes, you can use reduced-fat mayo or regular mayo depending on your preference without compromising the creamy texture.

→ What gives the salad its tangy flavor?

The tanginess comes from fresh lemon juice combined with Dijon mustard, balancing the creamy and savory elements.

→ Is it necessary to use sweet peas in the salad?

Sweet peas add texture and a subtle sweetness, but you can adjust or omit them according to your taste.

→ How should I prepare the tuna for best results?

Use canned albacore tuna that is well drained to prevent excess moisture and maintain the salad’s texture.

→ Can this salad be made ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a few hours ahead allows flavors to meld nicely, but it’s best served chilled and within a day.

Creamy Tuna Macaroni Salad

Cheesy pasta, tuna, and fresh veggies combine for a creamy summer salad perfect as a quick lunch or BBQ side.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Salads

Recipe Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Serves: 6 Serving Size (6 servings)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Pasta

Ingredient 01 2 cups elbow macaroni

→ Dressing

Ingredient 02 1 cup mayonnaise
Ingredient 03 2 tablespoons sweet relish
Ingredient 04 1 tablespoon stone ground Dijon mustard
Ingredient 05 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Ingredient 06 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
Ingredient 07 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 08 1 can (5 oz) albacore tuna, drained
Ingredient 09 1/2 cup sweet peas
Ingredient 10 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient 11 3 stalks celery, chopped
Ingredient 12 2 shallots, minced

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

In a large pot, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, celery salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 03

Add drained tuna, sweet peas, shredded cheddar, chopped celery, and minced shallots to the dressing. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 04

Fold the cooked and drained macaroni into the tuna mixture until thoroughly coated.

Step 05

Serve immediately chilled or at room temperature as a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Using fresh lemon juice adds a bright tang that balances the creamy dressing.
  2. Chilling the salad for at least one hour enhances flavor melding.

Must-Have Tools

  • Large stock pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains fish (tuna), dairy (cheddar cheese), and eggs (mayonnaise).

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 350
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbs: 30 grams
  • Proteins: 20 grams