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.
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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.
Rose Ann Sales says
Sounds so good. I love seafood salads like this. Yum!
Nikki Wayne says
This is one of my favorites. Thanks for suggesting about that brand of Tuna.
Kathy says
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 says
Salad season is here and time for a classic tuna and mac salad with all the great flavors.
Eileen M Loya says
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 says
Thank you for this delicious recipe!
Tara Pittman says
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 says
This is like the ultimate salad! My kids would go crazy over it!
Tyanne says
My dad loved this recipe! I like the use of the kind of pasta instead of using macaroni.
Larry says
Great lookin tuna salad Chef and a must to try.
melissa chapman says
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 says
Perfect pasta salad for a picnic!
Angela says
My family loved this pasta salad. I really enjoyed the addition of the green olives. Yum!
Audrey says
This is classic comfort food! Yum.
Emily Flint says
Everyone loved this macaroni salad, it was definitely a crowd pleaser!