Mom's Best Tuna Macaroni Salad
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Author Notes: My mom has been making this salad every summer since I was a child. It is hands down the tastiest and cremiest tuna macaroni salad I've ever had - and always wins rave reviews from guests. Although simple, she experimented a bit before she got it right. Great with steak, burgers, chicken or just on it's own for lunch! - There'sAlwaysPie
Serves 10-12
- 16 ounces Cavatappi (corkscrew) pasta. You can also use any other large shaped pasta that will hold a chunky salad.
- 2 stalks of celery diced small
- 1 small sweet onion chopped
- 5 hard boiled eggs chopped
- 1 5 oz. can of tuna fish in water - drained
- 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise - I prefer Hellman's
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
- 1 squirt of mustard
- 2 tablespoons season salt - I prefer McCormick Season All
- Cook pasta according to directions and then rinse with cold water.
- In a bowl mix together cooled pasta, tuna fish, celery, onion and egg.
- Mix in mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, mustard and seasoned salt. Stir well. If you taste it and it seems salty, don't worry the flavors will meld in the next step. (I'll be honest that I don't actually measure out these ingredients, but rather eyeball them. So, if it seems a little dry add a bit more mayonnaise/Miracle Whip by the tablespoon)
- Cover and let sit in fridge for at least 4 hours to let flavors absorb and blend. Periodically take it out and stir, if the pasta looks dry add a little more mayonnaise/Miracle Whip. Also if needs more season salt you can add a few shakes to taste.
- Serve cold!
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Mayonnaise-Based Salad
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Picnic Dish
Tags: picnic, serves a crowd, Summer
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over 1 year ago marynn
OK, made this tonight because your description and photograph hit ALL the right buttons. Oh, my! I love all the more olive oil-fresh tuna-veg-cetric options out there, particularly when fresh tomatoes are awaiting on the counter, but sometimes I want tuna salad with macaroni. Period. I made this with whole wheat elbows and just enough of your perfect blend of mayo, Whip, and mustard. Perfection. Savory with a touch of sweet, and snap from the mustard. I am with Frontalgirl; this is my new default tuna salad. Thanks to you and your mother!
over 1 year ago There'sAlwaysPie
Awesome! Sometimes you have to throw healthy eating out the window and just enjoy- so glad you liked it!!
over 1 year ago There'sAlwaysPie
Awesome! Sometimes you have to throw healthy eating out the window and just enjoy- so glad you liked it!!
almost 2 years ago Frontalgirl
I've been making a version of this for some time, but I love yours! I'll be doing yours from now on. Thanks!
almost 2 years ago Sagegreen
Such fond memories! This makes me want some for our 4th buffet table!