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

  1. 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

  2. Mash Eggs

    Peel the boiled eggs and smash them with a fork in a small bowl until coarse.

    Time: PT2M

  3. 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

  4. Drain Pasta

    Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.

    Time: PT2M

  5. 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

  6. Dice Vegetables

    Dice the celery and tomatoes into small, uniform pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Drain Tuna

    Open the four cans of tuna, drain the liquid completely, and set the tuna aside in a bowl.

    Time: PT1M

  8. 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

  9. 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

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The Best Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe! 🤤

Recipe by Chef Boyd Brown III

A hearty Southern-style cold pasta salad made with elbow macaroni, hard‑boiled eggs, canned tuna, fresh veggies, and a tangy Creole‑lemon pepper mayo dressing. Inspired by a Grandma’s recipe from Nachas, Mississippi, this dish feeds a crowd and is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a comforting family meal.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.90
Total cost
$1.24
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water and hot pasta pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when dicing vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Macaroni Tuna Salad in Southern American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Macaroni Tuna Salad in the Southern United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Macaroni Tuna Salad traditionally served in Mississippi gatherings?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Macaroni Tuna Salad traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a genuine Southern Macaroni Tuna Salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with Macaroni Tuna Salad?

A

Pairs beautifully with fried chicken, baked beans, collard greens, cornbread, and a side of sweet tea or lemonade for a balanced Southern meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Macaroni Tuna Salad?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Macaroni Tuna Salad recipe use Creole seasoning and lemon pepper instead of plain salt and pepper?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Macaroni Tuna Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Boyd Brown III specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Boyd Brown III's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

My Favorite Tuna Pasta Salad
3

My Favorite Tuna Pasta Salad

A quick, protein‑packed tuna pasta salad that can be tossed together with whatever fresh veggies you have on hand. The creamy dressing is a light blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, seasoned with classic pantry spices.

30 minServes 2$6
American
BEST TUNA PASTA SALAD RECIPE
19

BEST TUNA PASTA SALAD RECIPE

A clean‑and‑delicious classic tuna pasta salad made with pantry staples—pasta, canned tuna, frozen peas, red onion, celery, mayo and Greek yogurt. Hearty enough for a meal, perfect for meal‑prep, and ready in under an hour.

51 minServes 4$9
American
TUNA PASTA SALAD WITHOUT MAYO
3

TUNA PASTA SALAD WITHOUT MAYO

A quick, protein‑packed tuna pasta salad that requires no heating at serving time. Perfect for meal‑prep lunches, this budget‑friendly dish delivers about 39 g of protein per serving and can be assembled in under 30 minutes.

45 minServes 2$25
American
Best TUNA PASTA SALAD Ever ➡️ With NEXT-LEVEL 2-Minute DILL DRESSING!!!
10

Best TUNA PASTA SALAD Ever ➡️ With NEXT-LEVEL 2-Minute DILL DRESSING!!!

A hearty, protein‑packed tuna pasta salad that combines creamy dressing, crisp veggies, sweet peas, and al dente shell pasta. Perfect for make‑ahead lunches, it stays fresh in the fridge for several days.

35 minServes 8$25
American
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
4

Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

A quick, nutritious, make‑ahead lunch using leftover whole‑grain pasta, canned tuna, and a creamy Greek‑yogurt mayo dressing. Perfect for busy days and easy to pack for on‑the‑go meals.

33 minServes 4$6
American
Why I love Tuna Salad
5

Why I love Tuna Salad

A high‑protein, fridge‑friendly tuna salad packed with adobo seasoning, minced garlic, serrano pepper, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a quick snack, this customizable recipe lets you use whatever herbs and aromatics you have on hand.

15 minServes 4$6
American
Tuna pasta salad for when you’ve run out of ideas for the kids (and adults!)
2

Tuna pasta salad for when you’ve run out of ideas for the kids (and adults!)

A quick, macro‑friendly tuna pasta salad that’s perfect for after‑school snacks, packed lunches, or a light lunch. The creamy dressing blends Greek yogurt and mayo for a lower‑calorie twist, while crunchy pickles, tomatoes, and cucumbers add freshness. Easy to customize with olives, onions, or herbs.

45 minServes 4$12
American
Southern Tuna Macaroni Salad
4

Southern Tuna Macaroni Salad

A creamy, tangy tuna macaroni salad perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or a hearty lunch. Made with elbow macaroni, albacore tuna, hard‑boiled eggs, crunchy veggies, sweet relish and a blend of mayonnaise, Miracle Whip and pickle juice, this dish is seasoned with Old Bay, all‑purpose seasoning and smoked paprika for a burst of flavor.

1 hr 22 minServes 6$26
American