Best 6 Refreshing Summer Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipes

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As the sun shines brightly and the temperatures rise, there's nothing quite like a refreshing and satisfying meal to beat the heat. And what better way to enjoy a summer day than with a delightful tuna macaroni salad? This classic dish combines tender tuna, al dente macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or simply seeking a light and delicious lunch, this refreshing summer cold tuna macaroni salad is sure to be a hit. With its vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and burst of flavors, it's the perfect dish to bring people together and create lasting summer memories.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

COLD MACARONI AND TUNA SALAD



Cold Macaroni and Tuna Salad image

This is a simple and good recipe that is great served on those hot summer days and can even be prepared the night before so that it is ready and cold when you come home from work the next day. My husband never ate this until we got married and in the summer he requests it every other week. You can substitute chicken for the tuna and it is great that way also. I serve it on a leaf of lettuce, for looks, with an assortment of crackers. Happy eating!

Provided by HSTR

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 1h58m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 eggs
2 ¾ cups macaroni
½ (10 ounce) package frozen English peas
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove eggs from hot water, cool under cold running water, and peel.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Put frozen peas into a colander and rinse with hot water; drain well.
  • Place the macaroni and peas in a large bowl. Dice eggs and add to the bowl. Put the tuna in the bowl, flaking it apart.
  • Stir mayonnaise into the mixture a little at a time, so the mixture is moist but not soggy. Sprinkle the salt and pepper and mix one last time. Cover and refrigerate for a least 1 hour or overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342.2 calories, Carbohydrate 40.8 g, Cholesterol 108.2 mg, Fat 9.5 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 22.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 219.8 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

COLD MACARONI TUNA SALAD



Cold Macaroni Tuna Salad image

This is the ANSWER for me on a hot summer day. I could eat the whole bowl. Usually serve on lettuce with a tall glass of lemonade.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 hard-boiled eggs, diced
3 cups macaroni, uncooked
1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed and drained
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
1/2-1 cup mayonnaise (the amount depends on how moist or dry you like your salad)
1/4 teaspoon salt ("or" to taste)
1/8 teaspoon pepper ("or" to taste)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain in colander and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large bowl, place the macaroni and peas.
  • Add the eggs and tuna; mix well.
  • Mix together mayo, salt, and pepper.
  • Add to tuna mixture a little at a time; mix well.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

TUNA-MACARONI SALAD



Tuna-Macaroni Salad image

Perfect for a simple summer supper or as a main-dish potluck contribution, this tuna noodle salad is a comfort food classic that comes together in just 20 minutes. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or other cool, crisp greens, and pair it with some crusty bread for a satisfying and refreshing entrée.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (7 oz) elbow macaroni
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz), if desired
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, if desired
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 medium stalk celery, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni as directed on package, adding peas for last 4 to 6 minutes of cooking; rinse with cold water and drain.
  • In large bowl, mix macaroni, peas and remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fat 5 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 14 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving (about 1 cup), Sodium 650 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

COLD TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad image

A tuna and macaroni salad best served on a sunny summer day with a fresh muffin on the side.

Provided by D

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
3 tomatoes - peeled, seeded and diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 (12 ounce) can tuna
1 ½ cups light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Italian-style salad dressing
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 pinch ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, celery and tuna.
  • Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, salad dressing, sugar and pepper. Add to pasta salad, mix together, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499.3 calories, Carbohydrate 52.7 g, Cholesterol 37.8 mg, Fat 22 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 22.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 495.4 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

FRESH SUMMER PASTA SALAD



Fresh Summer Pasta Salad image

While preparing lunch, I made this summer pasta salad for dinner. It was fast and easy; delicious and colorful. We love to enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies in season. I served this salad with almond crackers and sharp cheddar slices. So tasty! -Cathy Orban, Chandler, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups uncooked campanelle or spiral pasta
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 medium peaches, chopped
1 pouch (11 ounces) light tuna in water
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup julienned cucumber
1/2 cup julienned zucchini
1/2 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup grated red cabbage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups Caesar salad dressing

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain well. Transfer to a large bowl. Add carrots, peaches, tuna, celery, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, salt and pepper. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 3 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 calories, Fat 23g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 651mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

COLD TUNA SALAD



Cold Tuna Salad image

This is such a great refeshing dish for the summer.It makes a great light lunch or dinner.I usually serve it on a bed of lettuce and crackers or with some slice vegetables (tomatoes,cucumbers carrots). You can adjust this to your taste.

Provided by Aunt Bs

Categories     Tuna

Time 23m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) elbow macaroni (or twisted pasta)
1 cup mayonnaise (more or less)
1 (6 ounce) tuna in water, drained (I use 2 cans)
1 hard-boiled egg (optional)
3/4 cup chopped onion (I like vidalias)
3/4 cup chopped dill pickle
1 tablespoon celery seed (or 1/2 cup fresh chopped)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to directions, drain.
  • In large bowl add macaroni and remaining ingredients.
  • Mix well.
  • Refrigerate till chilled or cold,.
  • As it sits in the refrigerater, the noodles "absorb" some of the mayonnaise and you might want to add alittle more before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 534.2, Fat 22.4, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 34, Sodium 936.2, Carbohydrate 64, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 7.1, Protein 19.7

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality tuna. Look for tuna that is packed in water or olive oil, and avoid tuna that is packed in oil.
  • If you don't have any cooked tuna, you can use canned tuna. Just drain the tuna well and flake it with a fork.
  • To make the salad more colorful, add some chopped vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or red onion.
  • If you want a creamier salad, add some mayonnaise or sour cream.
  • Serve the salad chilled. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Cold tuna macaroni salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is a versatile salad that can be customized to your liking. You can add different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a unique flavor. Cold tuna macaroni salad is also a great way to use up leftover tuna. So next time you have some leftover tuna, give this recipe a try.

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