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Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe – American Classic

Published: Apr 16, 2021 · Modified: Feb 21, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

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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.

overhead view of large bowl of tuna macaroni 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 another classic, try out my homemade coleslaw recipe, it is a true crowd pleaser!

Table of Contents:
  • What Ingredients do I need to make Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe?
  • How do I make Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe?
  • More Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe

What Ingredients do I need to make Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe?

overhead view of ingredients 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.

Use up any leftover tuna in my delicious tuna salad recipe.

How do I make Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe?

two images of ingredients and finished dressing in bowls

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.

vegetables, olives and cheese added to the bowl of cooked macaroni

Add the chopped onions, celery, olives, shredded carrots, tomatoes, cheddar and parsley to the cooked macaroni. Mix all the ingredients together.

tuna added to the bowl of pasta salad

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.

overhead partial view of bowl of Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe topped with crispy bacon bits and parsley

Mix the dressing into the Tuna Macaroni Salad and top with crispy bacon bits and parsley.

close up view of tuna macaroni salad deluxe in a white bowl

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

overhead partial view of bowl of Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe topped with crispy bacon bits and parsley

Tuna Macaroni Salad Deluxe

Chef Dennis Littley
When the occasion calls for something special or just to treat your family make up a batch of my Tuna Macaroni Deluxe. This American Classic is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table .
5 from 58 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 318 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 19gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 561mgPotassium: 341mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1518IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 201mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    5 from 58 votes (41 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Rose Ann Sales says

    April 17, 2021 at 1:57 am

    5 stars
    Sounds so good. I love seafood salads like this. Yum!

    Reply
  2. Nikki Wayne says

    April 17, 2021 at 12:52 am

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorites. Thanks for suggesting about that brand of Tuna.

    Reply
  3. Kathy says

    April 16, 2021 at 10:43 pm

    This looks so good. I have been wanting to make a noodle salad too. I’ll have to give this one a try.

    Reply
  4. Jere Cassidy says

    April 16, 2021 at 6:07 pm

    5 stars
    Salad season is here and time for a classic tuna and mac salad with all the great flavors.

    Reply
  5. Eileen M Loya says

    April 16, 2021 at 4:49 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  6. Gwynn Galvin says

    April 16, 2021 at 4:14 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this delicious recipe!

    Reply
  7. Tara Pittman says

    April 16, 2021 at 3:30 pm

    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.

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    April 16, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    This is like the ultimate salad! My kids would go crazy over it!

    Reply
  9. Tyanne says

    April 16, 2021 at 1:33 pm

    5 stars
    My dad loved this recipe! I like the use of the kind of pasta instead of using macaroni.

    Reply
  10. Larry says

    April 16, 2021 at 1:19 pm

    Great lookin tuna salad Chef and a must to try.

    Reply
  11. melissa chapman says

    April 16, 2021 at 1:14 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  12. Laura says

    April 16, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    5 stars
    Perfect pasta salad for a picnic!

    Reply
  13. Angela says

    April 16, 2021 at 1:02 pm

    5 stars
    My family loved this pasta salad. I really enjoyed the addition of the green olives. Yum!

    Reply
  14. Audrey says

    April 16, 2021 at 12:39 pm

    5 stars
    This is classic comfort food! Yum.

    Reply
  15. Emily Flint says

    April 16, 2021 at 10:51 am

    5 stars
    Everyone loved this macaroni salad, it was definitely a crowd pleaser!

    Reply
Newer Comments »


My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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