Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 10. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Pinoy Food Guide on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 38 min
Cost: $8.10 total, $0.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 400 grams Elbow Macaroni (any brand, cooked al dente)
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheese (any mild shredded cheese like cheddar, Eden, Quez‑O or Cheezee)
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish (adds sweet tang)
- 1 piece Onion (medium, finely chopped)
- 2 cans Canned Tuna (in oil) (12‑ounce cans, drained)
- 1.5 cups Mayonnaise (real mayonnaise for richer flavor)
- 2 stalks Celery (chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Cook Macaroni
Bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Time: PT13M
Temperature: 100°C
Drain and Cool Pasta
Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking; let it sit to cool for a few minutes.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Tuna
Open the two cans of tuna, drain the oil completely, and set the flakes aside.
Time: PT1M
Chop Onion and Celery
Finely dice the medium onion and chop the celery stalks into small pieces.
Time: PT5M
Mix Salad
In the large mixing bowl combine the cooled macaroni, drained tuna, shredded cheese, chopped onion, chopped celery, sweet pickle relish, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 9g
- Carbohydrates
- 28g
- Fat
- 16g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Gluten-containing
Allergens: Milk, Fish, Egg, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: any short pasta shape such as rotini or penne
- Instead of Shredded Cheese: mozzarella, processed cheese
- Instead of Sweet Pickle Relish: dill relish, sweet corn relish
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Canned Tuna (in oil): tuna in water, canned salmon
- Instead of Mayonnaise: light mayo, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Celery: carrot sticks
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook macaroni al dente
- Drain and cool macaroni completely before mixing
- Season the salad to taste before final toss
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use real, full‑fat mayonnaise for a richer, smoother texture.
- For extra crunch, add finely diced red bell pepper or cucumber.
- Chill the mixing bowl before adding ingredients to keep the salad cool.
Troubleshooting
Macaroni is too soft or mushy.
Cook the pasta for 1‑2 minutes less and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Salad looks watery.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel; also ensure tuna is well drained.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust salt and pepper, and consider adding a little more relish or a splash of lemon juice.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; freezing may make the pasta mushy.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; keep chilled in warm climates.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the salad a day ahead and refrigerate; the flavors meld better
- If making ahead, add a splash of extra mayonnaise before serving to refresh creaminess
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Tuna Macaroni Salad in Filipino cuisine?
Tuna Macaroni Salad became popular in the Philippines during the post‑World War II era when canned goods and pasta were introduced by American influence. It quickly turned into a staple for potlucks, birthdays, and holiday feasts because it is inexpensive, easy to make, and can feed many people.
What are the traditional regional variations of Tuna Macaroni Salad in the Philippines?
In the Visayas, cooks often add sliced boiled eggs and a splash of calamansi juice for extra tang. In Luzon, some families prefer adding diced carrots or bell peppers for color. In Mindanao, a touch of chili flakes is sometimes mixed in for a mild kick.
How is Tuna Macaroni Salad traditionally served at Filipino holiday gatherings?
It is typically served chilled in a large serving bowl alongside other cold dishes like fruit salad and lechon kawali. Guests scoop generous portions onto plates, often accompanied by fried chicken or grilled pork ribs as the main protein.
What occasions or celebrations is Tuna Macaroni Salad commonly associated with in Filipino culture?
The salad is a go‑to dish for birthdays, Christmas Noche Buena, New Year’s parties, school reunions, and barangay (community) gatherings because it can be prepared ahead and feeds large groups affordably.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with Tuna Macaroni Salad?
It pairs nicely with fried chicken (Chicken Inasal), grilled pork barbecue (Inihaw na Baboy), lumpiang shanghai (fried spring rolls), and a fresh fruit cocktail or buko (young coconut) salad for a balanced spread.
What makes Tuna Macaroni Salad special or unique in Filipino party cuisine?
Its unique blend of creamy mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and the salty bite of canned tuna creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and festive, embodying the Filipino love for sweet‑savory combinations.
How has Tuna Macaroni Salad evolved over time in the Philippines?
Originally made with plain boiled noodles and simple mayo, modern versions now incorporate shredded cheese, fresh vegetables, and even avocado. Some chefs experiment with flavored mayo or substitute tuna with smoked salmon for a gourmet twist.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tuna Macaroni Salad?
Overcooking the pasta makes the salad soggy, not draining the tuna oil leaves the dish greasy, and under‑seasoning results in a bland flavor. Always rinse the pasta with cold water, fully drain the tuna, and taste before serving.
Why does this Tuna Macaroni Salad recipe use real mayonnaise instead of light mayo?
Real mayonnaise contains more oil, giving the salad a richer, silkier texture that coats each pasta strand. Light mayo can make the mixture watery and less flavorful, especially when combined with cheese and tuna.
What does the YouTube channel Pinoy Food Guide specialize in?
The YouTube channel Pinoy Food Guide specializes in easy, budget‑friendly Filipino recipes that are perfect for everyday cooking and celebrations. The channel focuses on step‑by‑step tutorials, cost breakdowns, and practical tips for home cooks in the Philippines and abroad.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
