Cold Tuna or Chicken Macaroni Salad
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick family dinner, this Cold Tuna or Chicken Macaroni Salad combines creamy textures with vibrant flavors to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is versatile. Featuring tender elbow macaroni, your choice of protein—either flaky canned tuna or shredded cooked chicken—and a rich dressing made with mayo, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, this salad is packed with hearty goodness. Crunchy celery, sweet peas, and tangy red onion add balance, while chopped hard-boiled eggs bring an extra layer of protein. With minimal prep time and a refreshing, chilled finish, this make-ahead classic is a must-have for easy entertaining. Garnish with paprika for a festive touch, and serve it as a stand-alone meal or a side dish to brighten any gathering.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup canned tuna or cooked chicken, shredded
- 0.75 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 0.5 cup celery, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
- 0.5 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and dijon mustard. Stir until smooth.
Add the tuna or cooked chicken, celery, red onion, thawed peas, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl. Mix well.
Fold in the cooled macaroni until everything is evenly coated.
Season the salad with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
Before serving, sprinkle with paprika if desired for a pop of color.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
451 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.0 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 92 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 658 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 18.4 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 46 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 216 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
