My lovely mom “Joanne” is 85 next month ❤️ and she makes the best Tuna Macaroni Salad in the universe. Unfortunately, she suffers with severe arthritis, so she doesn’t cook too much any more. Luckily, my Dad does still cook and I know he makes this on occasion for her. Back at our ranch, I make Tuna Macaroni Salad often, and I think of my Mom the entire time. I learned some tricks from her over the years and although it never tastes quite like hers, mine is still very good. Just ask my husband. He acts like a hangry hawk flying around in circles above me waiting to grab a big spoonful 😆!

As for these tips I’ve learned from my mom, first the quality of tuna you use should be the best you can afford. I prefer white tuna, but it is expensive as all heck. I have mixed a can of white with a can of dark and it still was amazing. If you don’t like tuna, shrimp can be substituted.

Another tip Jojo taught me is to add a little white vinegar to both tuna macaroni salad, and potato salad. It really gives it a zing. If you don’t have it, try dill pickle juice.

Oh, and my mom doesn’t use anything but real Hellman’s mayonnaise. In fact she gets upset when I use the light version. In my recipe I do use the light version to help keep the calories down, but feel free to use what you prefer.

If you haven’t noticed yet, I have a new recipe print function on my blog where it calculates the calories and other nutritional facts. This comes at a great time because I am trying to lose a couple more pounds so I can fit into my bikini. Okay, Im kidding. I don’t have a bikini, but hey, maybe I’ll get one if I keep eating this low calorie Tuna Macaroni Salad 😎.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

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Tuna Macaroni Salad

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This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a classic version loaded with white tuna and fresh veggies. The creamy mayonnaise dressing and protein packed hard boiled eggs make it extremely satisfying, and will keep your energy level up for hours. It pairs well with charcoal broiled hotdogs, and fresh sliced tomatoes. Baked beans go well, too!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked macaroni
• 2-12 ounce cans of white tuna drained
• 1 cup light mayonnaise
• 2-3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 4-5 stalks diced celery (the heart leafy part is the best)
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 4 hardboiled eggs chopped
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil hard boiled eggs (my tips on hard boiled eggs can be found here).
2. Prepare macaroni according to the directions on the box.
3. In a large pot or bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
4. Serve chilled with sliced tomatoes, or a hotdog 😉

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1 cup
Amount Per Serving Calories 253Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 138mgSodium 384mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 30g

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