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.
This is post is sponsored by Blue Harbor, all opinions are honest and my own.
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.
That’s why I choose Blue Harbor Wild Albacore Tuna. Did you know that every fillet of Blue Harbor albacore tuna is hand-selected and hand-prepared? Humans make better choices than automated machines do. And that’s why Blue Harbor is hands-down better than the competitor.
What Ingredients do I need to make Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe?
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.
Why do I use Blue Harbor Albacore Tuna?
As a chef and home cook I’ve opened many cans of Tuna over the years. From the small home use can to the restaurant size can. I’m sure you experienced the same feelings as I have when you open up a can of tuna to a strong odor, a mushy texture, or an abundance of liquid. It’s not very appealing and looks more like cat food than tuna.
With Blue Harbor Sustainable Albacore Tuna and Wild Pink Salmon you can be sure that each time you open the can you’re the best canned (or pouch) tuna or salmon that money can buy.
Simply prepared with water and sea salt (without preservatives) and sustainably caught each can or pouch of Blue Harbor Albacore Tuna will have that clean, fresh, mild taste that will let you taste the delicious flavor that tuna was meant to have.
In Florida you. can find Blue Harbor Tuna and Salmon at Publix, Target, Winn Dixie, The Fresh Market, Earth Fare, and GreenWise Market.
Click through the link to find Blue Harbor Albacore Tuna and Wild Pink Salmon at a store near you.
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 Blue Harbor Albacore 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!
How are you going to use Blue Harbor Albacore Tuna in your recipes? After one taste you’ll be hooked on Blue Harbor and the fresh, clean flavor of sustainably caught, hand-selected albacore tuna!
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
- How to Build the Perfect Dinner Salad
- Blackened Salmon Salad
- Restaurant Style Shrimp Salad
- 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 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup celery diced
- ¼ cup red onions diced
- 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 tbsp Italian parsley finely chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt more to taste
- ¼ tsp 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.
Nutrition
Larry
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
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the pasta salad Larry. The fresh albacore must have been amazing!
Kathy Garrett
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
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
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
This is so next level! I love the extra ingredients that make this delicious instead of boring.
Lilly
This macaroni salad is so delicious!!
Catalina
Now that pasta salad season is on, this is on my next to make salad list. Looks absolutely amazing!
Lynndee
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.
Rose Ann Sales
Sounds so good. I love seafood salads like this. Yum!
Nikki Wayne
This is one of my favorites. Thanks for suggesting about that brand of Tuna.
Kathy
This looks so good. I have been wanting to make a noodle salad too. I’ll have to give this one a try.
Jere Cassidy
Salad season is here and time for a classic tuna and mac salad with all the great flavors.
Eileen M Loya
This recipe reminded me of my mom. She made tuna salad often and we always enjoyed it. I am going to follow your recipe and make this on the weekend.
Gwynn Galvin
Thank you for this delicious recipe!
Tara Pittman
This was a favorite meal of my dads, My mom would add hard boiled eggs and I would pick them out and only eat those.
Heather
This is like the ultimate salad! My kids would go crazy over it!
Tyanne
My dad loved this recipe! I like the use of the kind of pasta instead of using macaroni.
Larry
Great lookin tuna salad Chef and a must to try.
melissa chapman
That tuna looks so fresh and tasty and not all tuna looks that good. I never made tuna macaroni salad but it seems like a great meal.
Laura
Perfect pasta salad for a picnic!
Angela
My family loved this pasta salad. I really enjoyed the addition of the green olives. Yum!
Audrey
This is classic comfort food! Yum.
Emily Flint
Everyone loved this macaroni salad, it was definitely a crowd pleaser!