One of my childhood memories of deliciousness is my mother’s Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe. We often enjoyed a scaled version of this American Classic but when the occasion called for something special we were treated to the Deluxe version of this delicious pasta salad.
One thing I learned early in my childhood was that not all canned tuna was created equally. And as I learned more about food and I began to realize that it wasn’t only the quality of a product but also the sourcing of the product.
For more classics, try out my homemade coleslaw recipe and my Hawaiian macaroni salad as they are true crowd pleasers!
Ingredients
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Tuna macaroni salad Deluxe. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the up cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
Use up any leftover tuna in my delicious tuna salad recipe.
How do I make Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe?
The first step is cooking the pasta you want to use for your tuna macaroni salad. After cooking and setting the pasta to cool, you can make the dressing for the salad.
*Refrigerate the dressing while you continue making the salad.
Add the chopped onions, celery, olives, shredded carrots, tomatoes, cheddar and parsley to the cooked macaroni. Mix all the ingredients together.
Add the drained tuna to the pasta salad.
**I used two cans of tuna but if you want to add more of the delicious tuna to your pasta salad use three cans.
Mix the dressing into the Tuna Macaroni Salad and top with crispy bacon bits and parsley.
You’re family and friends are going to love my Tuna Macaroni Salad. It’s the perfect treat for your next get-together or just to treat your family.
**Remember that recipes are guidelines and you can always adjust my recipe to meet your preferences or dietary needs. Or add your favorite ingredients to add your personal touch!
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
- How to Build the Perfect Dinner Salad
- Blackened Salmon Salad
- Shrimp Salad Recipe – My restaurant style version
- Restaurant Style Chicken Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cavatappi pasta or your favorite pasta shape cooked al dente
- 12 ounces Tuna drained (2 cans)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup celery diced
- ¼ cup red onions diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes cut in half
- 2 ounces cheddar cheese cut into small cubes approx. ¼ inch by ¼ inch
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- ½ cup green olives chopped or sliced
- ½ cup carrots shredded
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper more to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni al dente, following the directions on the package.
- Mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and seasonings to make the dressing. Mix well and refrigerate until needed.
- Add the diced onions, diced celery, chopped olives, grape tomato halves, diced cheese, chopped olives, shredded carrots and parsley to the cooked macaroni. Mix together well.
- Drain the Blue Harbor Albacore Tuna, break up the pieces by hand or with a fork and add the tuna to the pasta salad. Mix throughout the salad.**I used two cans of tuna but if you want to add more of the delicious tuna to your pasta salad use three cans.
- Add the dressing to the tuna macaroni salad and mix together. Refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours or overnight to let the flavors build.
- Top the Tuna Macaroni Salad with the crispy bacon bits and serve.
Marianne says
Delicious! Easy to make, delicious to eat. This is perfect for a hot summer day when you want something lite for lunch. Hubby enjoyed it too. Made it twice so far.
Chef Dennis Littley says
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my tuna mac salad! It’s always been a favorite of mine.
Susan says
Hello, Chef Dennis! What is the quantity for the halved grape tomatoes? I’m guessing about one cup?
Ally O'Connor says
I was wondering the same thing, how many tomatoes to use?
Chef Dennis Littley says
Sorry for missing that. Use 1 cup of grape tomatoes.
Persis Maryland says
What have you made! It looks heavenly. Happiness on a Plate! I am dropping by your place right now. Will you stop showing off and making me feel jealous.
Larry says
Chef – I recently made this and it may be the best pasta salad I’ve ever eaten. I used 22 oz of fresh albacore which I baked to 130F then flaked.
Chef Dennis Littley says
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the pasta salad Larry. The fresh albacore must have been amazing!
Kathy Garrett says
I’ve made macaroni salad with tuna for years. I use canned albacore, dill pickles, celery and onion mixed with elbow macaroni. Hard boiled eggs would go well with it also
Ice Cream n Sticky Fingers says
I will have to try this brand of tuna. I’m not a huge fan of tuna that looks like cat food either.
I’ll have to make this quick and easy pasta salad for dinner one evening. I’m all for simple meals especially with the summer heat around the corner.
Rosemary says
Good tuna is hard to come by, especially canned. I’m not familiar with Blue Harbor Albacore tune. It looks great in your pasta salad.I do love tuna sandwiches so I will certainly be checking this brand out.
Sabrina says
This is so next level! I love the extra ingredients that make this delicious instead of boring.
Lilly says
This macaroni salad is so delicious!!
Catalina says
Now that pasta salad season is on, this is on my next to make salad list. Looks absolutely amazing!
Lynndee says
I love macaroni salad and I also love tuna, but to be honest, I have not tried preparing this. Looks good! Going to save your recipe.