Tuna Macaroni Salad is filled with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and meaty chunks of tuna in a creamy dressing. A classic salad that’s really a complete meal in itself and the perfect side dish for your next picnic or potluck.
Boil the pasta in a large pot according to the package directions. Generously salt the water. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until the pasta is cool. Drain well.
In a small bowl, stir or whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, salt, and black pepper.
In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, 2 sliced green onions, cheese cubes, and peas. Add the dressing and gently stir everything together.
Add the tuna and eggs. Gently toss to keep some big chunks of tuna and eggs in the salad.
Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and chill for 1-3 hours before serving. To serve, top with a sprinkle of paprika and 1 sliced green onion, if desired.
If serving the next day, some of the dressing may have been absorbed by the pasta. Add more mayonnaise, as needed, to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
Cook the pasta just past al dente for the best texture — not too firm, not soggy. Let the tuna macaroni salad chill for at least an hour, but a few hours is best, to let it cool down and the flavors mingle a bit. If you’re making this a day ahead of time, check if it needs a little more mayo. Cold pasta salads can absorb dressing when it sits overnight.