Indulge in the comforting and nostalgic flavors of Amelia's Tuna Macaroni Salad. This classic dish combines tender pasta, hearty tuna, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty lunch, this salad is sure to become a family favorite with its simple yet delightful taste.
.png)
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 250g (8.8 oz) elbow macaroni
- 200g (7 oz) canned tuna, drained
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 50g (1.75 oz) frozen peas, thawed
For the Dressing:
- 150g (5.3 oz) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Method of Preparation
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the drained tuna, diced carrot, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and thawed peas.
- Gently mix all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a few sprigs of fresh parsley.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Chill Time: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour helps the flavors develop and meld together beautifully.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference, such as diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes.
- Lighten Up: For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?- Yes, this salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Yes, cooked and flaked fresh tuna can be used as a delicious substitute for canned tuna.
- The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy the nostalgic comfort of Amelia's Tuna Macaroni Salad, a perfect blend of creamy dressing, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables. Whether it's for a casual family meal or a gathering with friends, this salad promises to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone around the table.