The Best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
The Best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe! 🤤 is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Boyd Brown III on YouTube.
Prep: 33 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min
Cost: $9.90 total, $1.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni (uncooked, dried)
- 4 pieces Large Eggs (hard‑boiled then mashed)
- 1 cup Onion (grated, excess water squeezed out)
- 1/2 cup Celery Stalks (diced small)
- 1 cup Tomatoes (diced; use firm tomatoes)
- 4 cans Canned Tuna in Water (5‑oz each, drained)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat or light, at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Relish (finely chopped if large pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (smooth)
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper (homemade if possible)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Boil Eggs
Place the eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Mash Eggs
Peel the boiled eggs and smash them with a fork in a small bowl until coarse.
Time: PT2M
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and chicken stock powder, then cook the elbow macaroni al dente (about 10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain Pasta
Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Onion
Grate the onion using the fine side of a box grater, then place the shredded onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.
Time: PT3M
Dice Vegetables
Dice the celery and tomatoes into small, uniform pieces.
Time: PT5M
Drain Tuna
Open the four cans of tuna, drain the liquid completely, and set the tuna aside in a bowl.
Time: PT1M
Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, mashed eggs, grated onion, diced celery, diced tomatoes, and drained tuna. Sprinkle Creole seasoning, lemon pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add mayonnaise, sweet relish, and Dijon mustard. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. Give the salad a quick stir before plating.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy (mayonnaise), Contains soy (if mayo contains soy)
Allergens: Eggs, Fish, Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Small shells, corkscrew pasta
- Instead of Large Eggs: Hard‑boiled egg substitute, store‑bought egg salad
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, green onions
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Finely chopped bell pepper, cucumber
- Instead of Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes (drained), cherry tomatoes halved
- Instead of Canned Tuna in Water: Canned salmon, canned chicken
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, sour cream
- Instead of Sweet Relish: Dill relish, chopped pickles
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard, whole grain mustard
- Instead of Creole Seasoning: Cajun seasoning, paprika + cayenne blend
- Instead of Lemon Pepper: Lemon zest + black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Fork
- Box Grater
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula or Large Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling the eggs for the correct time to achieve a firm yet creamy texture.
- Cooking the pasta al dente so it holds up when mixed with the dressing.
- Squeezing excess water from the grated onion to prevent a soggy salad.
- Ensuring the tuna is fully drained to avoid excess moisture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a splash of chicken stock powder in the pasta water for extra savory depth.
- Homemade lemon pepper (lemon zest + cracked black pepper) brightens the dish.
- For a crunchier texture, add a handful of chopped toasted peanuts or sunflower seeds.
Troubleshooting
Salad is too watery.
Make sure to squeeze out the onion moisture and fully drain the tuna. If still wet, add a little extra mayo or let the salad chill uncovered for a few minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.
Pasta is mushy.
Cook the pasta al dente and rinse briefly with cool water after draining. If overcooked, discard the batch and start over.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust seasoning by adding more Creole seasoning, lemon pepper, salt, or a dash more Dijon mustard. Let the salad rest an additional 10 minutes for flavors to develop.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the salad up to step 8, cover, and refrigerate; add the final chill step just before serving.
- If making a day ahead, give the salad a quick stir and add a splash of mayo if it looks dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Macaroni Tuna Salad in Southern American cuisine?
Macaroni Tuna Salad reflects the resourceful Southern tradition of turning pantry staples—pasta, canned tuna, and mayo—into a hearty, crowd‑pleasing side that could feed a whole block of kids for days, as Grandma Boyd Brown did in Nachas, Mississippi.
What are the traditional regional variations of Macaroni Tuna Salad in the Southern United States?
In the Deep South, cooks often add chopped pickles, hot sauce, or a dash of sweet tea vinaigrette. In Mississippi, a signature touch is homemade lemon pepper and Creole seasoning, giving the salad a bright, mildly spicy flavor.
How is Macaroni Tuna Salad traditionally served in Mississippi gatherings?
It is typically served cold on a large platter at family picnics, church potlucks, or school lunches, often accompanied by fresh biscuits, coleslaw, and sweet tea.
What occasions or celebrations is Macaroni Tuna Salad traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
The salad is a staple at community barbecues, church fundraisers, birthday picnics, and school lunch programs because it can be made in bulk, travels well, and satisfies both kids and adults.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a genuine Southern Macaroni Tuna Salad versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include elbow macaroni, canned tuna in water, hard‑boiled eggs, Creole seasoning, and homemade lemon pepper. Acceptable substitutes are other short‑shape pastas, canned salmon, or Greek yogurt in place of mayo, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Southern dishes pair well with Macaroni Tuna Salad?
Pairs beautifully with fried chicken, baked beans, collard greens, cornbread, and a side of sweet tea or lemonade for a balanced Southern meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Macaroni Tuna Salad?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, not squeezing excess water from the grated onion, and under‑draining the tuna, all of which lead to a soggy salad. Also, under‑seasoning can make the dish taste flat.
Why does this Macaroni Tuna Salad recipe use Creole seasoning and lemon pepper instead of plain salt and pepper?
Creole seasoning adds depth with paprika, garlic, and cayenne, while lemon pepper provides a bright citrus note that cuts through the richness of mayo and tuna, creating a balanced Southern flavor profile.
Can I make Macaroni Tuna Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare up to step 8, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3‑4 days. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving; give it a quick stir to re‑coat the pasta.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Boyd Brown III specialize in?
Chef Boyd Brown III focuses on Southern comfort food, family‑style recipes passed down through generations, and practical cooking tips for home cooks looking to recreate classic Southern dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Boyd Brown III's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
Chef Boyd Brown III emphasizes storytelling, regional heritage, and simple, ingredient‑driven methods, often sharing personal anecdotes like Grandma’s recipes, whereas many other channels focus more on modern twists or high‑tech techniques.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
