I love my husband for a lot of reasons. One of those reasons is he is so easy going and easy to please. I can make whatever I want for dinner and he will love it as much as if it were his favorite meal ever. This makes things easy on me when I am stressed out and am racking my brain for an idea for the evening meal.
One of his favorite things to eat, which I love to make, is any kind of macaroni salad. My daughter is on the fence about macaroni salad, but if I make my easy peasy Whole Grain Tuna Macaroni Pasta Salad, she could eat it for days.
Oh my goodness guys, this Whole Grain Tuna Macaroni Pasta Salad is such an easy dish to make. And it is such a crowd pleaser. I make this for school functions, for special occasions at my husband’s work, for BBQ’s and anything in between. Of course you can use any type of macaroni you like, but I choose whole grain.
I am not eating white flour anymore, so if I make this will whole grain pasta, I can eat it as well. Instead of tuna, I have also made it with crab, which is absolutely delicious. You can also leave out the peas if you aren’t a fan (I am not) and add bell peppers and onions or broccoli.
You can make it with mayo or Miracle Whip, which adds a tang that I really enjoy. I guess the main thing is just to be ready to make more because this dish won’t last long! For another dish your family will love, give my Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad a try!
I did quite a bit of chopping in this, as I do in many of my other recipes. I hate to chop everything my hand. I found a great article on choosing the best vegetable chopper, which I found helpful. I use my Zyliss Easy Pull Manual Food Processor, which sells for just $29. It is affordable and works like a charm!
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Ingredients
- 1 package of multi grain elbow macaroni
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 1 small bag of frozen baby peas, cooked according to package directions
- 3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender. Drain and set aside..
- In a large bowl, stir together the tuna, celery, onion and peas. Mix in the mayonnaise, relish, salt and pepper. Add the macaroni and egg and garnish with paprika. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
What is your go to dish that is a real crowd pleaser?
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019 Kelly Hutchinson
Debbie Welchert says
December 7, 2015 at 10:43 amI like to make potato salad for a big gathering.
Cheryl says
December 7, 2015 at 12:17 pmMy green bean casserole is a big crowd pleaser.
Jennifer says
December 7, 2015 at 1:36 pmpasta salad is definitely a huge crowd pleaser no matter where I go. That is one dish I always get a request to make
Jeanette says
December 7, 2015 at 2:32 pmI am trying to eat better and not gain a ton of weight this holiday season, yeah I know its going to be an uphill battle. At least I can try with this one! Looks great!
Danielle says
December 7, 2015 at 2:52 pmI love macaroni salad, although my version is different. I would love to try this recipe out. Different tastes are always welcome in my home.
Pedro says
December 7, 2015 at 2:59 pmCalifornia Pasta Salad is my go to side dish
Jennifer says
December 7, 2015 at 3:45 pmI’ve got to send this to my mom. She’s been making a tuna casserole for years, so I know she’d love this.
Sandy Cain says
December 7, 2015 at 3:53 pmMy side dish is a 3-bean salad. I like to make tart, but with some sweetness, too.
Jeanine says
December 7, 2015 at 6:03 pmThis is my favorite salad! I don’t think I’ve ever had whole grain though, but I bet it’s just as delicious. This looks so good!
Vera Sweeney says
December 7, 2015 at 8:10 pmI don’t think I have made a macaroni salad with tuna before! This sounds like a delicious salad, I love that it’s whole grain.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
December 7, 2015 at 8:44 pmThat sounds delicious. It is a perfect side dish or even a meal if you want to eat light.
melanie huttner says
December 7, 2015 at 8:55 pmI love to make potato salad
Jenna Wood says
December 7, 2015 at 9:10 pmI’m not a big fan of macaroni salad, but my family is so I think I’ll try this out for our holiday dinner. The thing I do like about recipes like these is that they can be served in a pinch and are easy to make!
Liz Mays says
December 7, 2015 at 10:08 pmOh my daughter would just love this recipe. The macaroni salad on its own would win her over but the protein boost from the tuna would be perfect.
Ann Bacciaglia says
December 7, 2015 at 10:40 pmThis Whole Grain Tuna Macaroni Pasta Salad looks so delicious and easy to make. I am always looking for new recipes to try.
Tammi Roy says
December 7, 2015 at 10:42 pmThis looks like a great recipe. This would be great to make with my kids. They love to help in the kitchen.
Onica {Mommy Factor} says
December 7, 2015 at 11:00 pmOMG! Macaroni salad. I really love this. So yummy and delicious. I’m going to make some at home. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Jody Smith says
December 7, 2015 at 11:12 pmThis sounds delicious, I love tuna macaroni salad and the healthier twist on this is great.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
December 8, 2015 at 3:18 amMacaroni salad is one of my husband’s favorite side dishes! This is a great dish for him!
Janis @MommyblogExpert says
December 8, 2015 at 3:22 amYour tuna salad looks amazing. I love what you did to add so much color to it with those raw veggies.
Tammy Morgan says
December 8, 2015 at 8:44 amNo meal is complete without some sort of pasta
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
December 8, 2015 at 9:38 amTuna Macaroni Pasta Salad reminds me of my childhood. Your recipe is a much healthier version that what I used to have. May have to try it soon!
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
December 8, 2015 at 10:08 amMmm, this looks so good. My husband has a similar recipe, I will have to show him this.
Susan Highland says
December 8, 2015 at 11:05 amMy crowd pleaser side is a green bean, bacon, mushroom, cheese, onion casserole laced with wine.
Denise Higgins says
December 8, 2015 at 11:22 amMy signature side dish is Queso dip
Candice says
December 8, 2015 at 11:23 amI like to bring macaroni salad to events.
Claudia Davis says
December 8, 2015 at 11:27 amsweet potato casserole
Jackie Nelson says
December 8, 2015 at 11:30 amLooks like something I need to try.
Pam Flynn says
December 8, 2015 at 11:31 amHomemade mashed potates are my go to. Easy, delicious, and a crowd favorite.
lissa crane says
December 8, 2015 at 11:43 amMy crowd pleasing side dish is definitely my homemade Bacon Mac & Cheese! It’s an old family recipe and always go the fastest on the table and there is never any left overs!
Michele Cupp says
December 8, 2015 at 12:14 pmI make a coleslaw that includes pineapple that everyone loves.
Chad Gustafson says
December 8, 2015 at 12:16 pmPotato or veggi!e salad always win
Sheila Vives says
December 8, 2015 at 12:52 pmEveryone likes our macaroni salad
David says
December 8, 2015 at 1:02 pmMac and cheese is a great side dish that everyone loves.
Hannah Laura says
December 8, 2015 at 1:13 pmMy go to side dish is a baked mac and cheese! It’s a family favorite and I bring it to every pot luck 🙂
gloria says
December 8, 2015 at 1:19 pmlike to make pasta salad – yum
Annie Johnson says
December 8, 2015 at 1:58 pmThis is one of my favorite salads with a slight twist. I can’t wait to make this version.
LaTanya says
December 8, 2015 at 2:06 pmpotato salad
Jeanne Simon says
December 8, 2015 at 2:11 pma pasta salad is always good and easy
Angie Fiack says
December 8, 2015 at 4:09 pmMy favorite crowd pleasing side dish is my potato salad.
Mary Beth Elderton says
December 8, 2015 at 4:14 pmI make a tortellini salad for big crowds. I make the same for smaller crowds but add shrimp.
tara darity says
December 8, 2015 at 5:35 pmMine is stuffed mushrooms! Always a big hit!
soha molina says
December 8, 2015 at 6:02 pmMy baked veggies are always popular.
Robin M says
December 8, 2015 at 8:26 pmI usually make cheesy potatoes.
Amy says
December 8, 2015 at 8:33 pmI love tuna pasta too! It is such an easy and quick meal to prepare too!
Patricia Hoffmeister says
December 8, 2015 at 8:36 pmIt’s a toss up between my baked beans or my jalapeño cornbread.
angie says
December 8, 2015 at 9:28 pmMac N Cheese is always a winner.
Mary says
December 8, 2015 at 9:43 pmDeviled eggs is my Go To side!
Lauryn R says
December 9, 2015 at 2:06 amEveryone loves it when I make my homemade mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese as a side!
Amy Jones says
December 9, 2015 at 3:36 amI like to bring a fruit salad. Colorful and sweet!
Marta H. says
December 9, 2015 at 7:52 amMy go to favorite side dish is 7-Layer salad. This chopper would save time and my fingers!
Deborah Grant says
December 9, 2015 at 9:04 amThe guys will eat all of my tuna mac salad with mushrooms and green peas. Always need to make more for the girls.
Candace Galan-Calderon says
December 9, 2015 at 9:05 amI like to make pasta salad!
Brooke Boyd says
December 9, 2015 at 9:15 amDefinitely my Jalapeno poppers chopped and diced!
Sheryl Holden says
December 9, 2015 at 9:36 amcheesy potatoes
Maggie Branch says
December 9, 2015 at 9:45 amI remember my grandma making something similar to this when I was a little girl. I loved it then and I am sure I would love this version now! Thank you for sharing and reminding me of great memories.
Shauna says
December 9, 2015 at 10:24 amOh wow, that chopper looks so easy-to-use. My MIL has issues with her hands, so this would be great for her. And that recipe sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing 😉
Megan Zuchowski says
December 9, 2015 at 10:41 amPasta salad
Wendy Forbes says
December 9, 2015 at 1:20 pmMacaroni and cheese is my go-to side dish.
kelly light says
December 9, 2015 at 2:49 pmscalloped potatoes
Paula says
December 9, 2015 at 4:52 pmpotato salad.
Eddie Dick says
December 9, 2015 at 6:20 pmTuna salad
sheri b says
December 9, 2015 at 6:49 pm3-bean salad is a favorite.
Michelle Fuller says
December 9, 2015 at 7:52 pmI love making Potato Salad for family parties.
tracy davis says
December 9, 2015 at 9:38 pmIt is stuffed mushrooms.
Brittney House says
December 10, 2015 at 3:40 amEveryone loves my green beans with bacon.
Paula says
December 10, 2015 at 9:07 pmPotato salad for sure
Kimberly Flickinger says
December 11, 2015 at 10:38 amMy macaroni salad and my fruit salad are crowd pleasers.
Lisa says
December 11, 2015 at 1:05 pmMy go-to side dish that’s a crowd pleaser is a cranberry relish. The kind with ground cranberries, whipped topping, oranges, and mini marshmallows. It’s as much a dessert as it is a side dish, but people really like it year round. I buy extra bags of cranberries in the fall and freeze them, so I can make this year round.
Ashley C says
December 11, 2015 at 3:28 pmBrown sugar baked beans is for sure a crowd pleaser here!
Mia says
December 11, 2015 at 7:54 pmI serve homemade hummus and pita chips that are big crowd favorites.
Marnie G (Derrick Todd) says
December 12, 2015 at 3:51 amMy salsa and quacamole are always a big crowd pleaser. It seems like the bowls are always empty when I take them home.
Jeff Rothrock says
December 12, 2015 at 7:23 ambob a roni..pastats salad
Cami Valenzuela says
December 12, 2015 at 2:01 pmPotato salad is a huge crowd.please user
Emily N. says
December 12, 2015 at 4:58 pmDeviled eggs is my go to.
betsy cortez says
December 13, 2015 at 2:19 amroasted garlic potatos
Elizabeth says
December 13, 2015 at 3:48 pmEveryone loves my Fumi Salad with red & green cabbage.
JAY SMALL says
December 13, 2015 at 5:39 pmOMG i COULD MAKE SO MANY DIFFERENT SOUPS, With this
Pat says
December 13, 2015 at 9:12 pmFruit salad is a big crowd pleaser.
Francine Anchondo says
December 14, 2015 at 10:17 amPotato salad
jberry says
December 16, 2015 at 9:13 pmDuring the holidays, Acorn Squash Fries.
Rosanne says
December 17, 2015 at 12:42 amMy green beans with hot bacon dressing is one of the favorite side dishes
barrie says
December 17, 2015 at 7:37 pmGarlic green beans are a family favorite with dinner for my family.
Carrie Edmunds says
December 19, 2015 at 5:15 pmMy go to side dish is macaroni and cheese.
sandra says
December 20, 2015 at 7:39 pmsweet potato casserole
barb g. says
December 20, 2015 at 7:45 pmmashed potatoes
Tina W says
December 21, 2015 at 2:52 amI make a mean pot of baked beans!
Paol Trenny says
December 21, 2015 at 2:05 pmIt is crab meat au gratin.
Nicole Gabler says
December 21, 2015 at 7:44 pmMy favorite side dish to have is roasted onion potaoes but my family loves the cheesy broccoli bake.
cyndi br says
December 22, 2015 at 2:43 pmcrowd pleaser is potato salad and coleslaw
Faye Gates says
December 22, 2015 at 4:32 pmMy cole slaw is pretty good. People really do love my potato salad.
Kimberly S says
December 22, 2015 at 4:35 pmScalloped potatoes and ham is my go to side dish, I’m asked to make it anytime a dish needs to be brought.
jennifer drake says
December 22, 2015 at 6:20 pmmac and cheese! 🙂
Monique Rizzo says
December 23, 2015 at 2:16 pmSweet potato fries with marshmellow dipping sauce. Thank you for the chance.
michelle k. says
December 23, 2015 at 8:35 pmMy go to side is butter noodle because everyone will eat them
kelley roach says
December 23, 2015 at 9:12 pmasta salad is definitely a huge crowd pleaser no matter where I go.
Stephanie Liske says
December 24, 2015 at 3:59 pmI love mashed potatoes.
Angel McMore says
December 25, 2015 at 7:47 amFresh Corn is a wonderful side dish.
Heather Poindexter says
December 25, 2015 at 8:52 pmPotato salad!
paula brown says
December 26, 2015 at 9:45 amI am the Macaroni and Cheese maker in the family.
Amy Z. says
December 26, 2015 at 5:02 pmMy Southwestern quinoa salad is a crowd-pleaser!
susan smoaks says
December 26, 2015 at 6:58 pmi like to make a spinach artichoke dip.
Nicole Carter (Weasley) says
December 26, 2015 at 8:36 pmPeople seem to really like my macaroni salad.
Jenny S says
December 26, 2015 at 10:13 pmI’ve been into making homemade soups this winter and my family seems to like it. Italian Weddings is their favorite so far.
Sarah says
December 27, 2015 at 8:42 amOur go to side dish is one my husband makes– it’s called “salpicon” and is a traditional side dish from his hometown in Spain. I love it! And it is always a hit everywhere we bring it. It is mostly finely chopped crab and shrimp, so the chopper would be perfect for making it!
tina reynolds says
December 27, 2015 at 11:46 amMy five cheese mac and cheese
kim keithline says
December 27, 2015 at 1:06 pmMy family loves pasta salad I put a lot of fresh veggies in it, it is always a big hit
Cindy says
December 27, 2015 at 4:59 pmSpinach dip with baguettes.
Aubrey says
December 27, 2015 at 7:34 pmmy kids love green bean casserole
rose says
December 27, 2015 at 9:03 pmHomemade mac and cheese! I have a delicious recipe I got from my aunt…… super cheesy and serves a crowd!
Elizabeth H. says
December 27, 2015 at 11:07 pmI love green peas with mushrooms.
Karrie Smith says
December 27, 2015 at 11:38 pmCheesey potatoes
raychg says
December 27, 2015 at 11:42 pmtuna macaroni salad=awesome
Hesper Fry says
December 28, 2015 at 1:29 amMy family likes my Potatoes Au Gratin,
Aaron says
December 28, 2015 at 5:21 amMy go to side dish that is a big crowd pleaser is yams!
Rosey says
December 28, 2015 at 9:13 amThis looks really good. Mac and cheese is my go-to side dish for a gathering. 🙂
Lana Simanovicki says
December 28, 2015 at 9:19 amMy macaroni salad
Megan C says
December 28, 2015 at 12:28 pmMy go to is 7 layer dip.
Tanya White says
December 28, 2015 at 1:10 pmMy to go to side dish is Macaroni salad, you can do a lot of different things to it.
Trisha McKee says
December 28, 2015 at 1:27 pmI make stuffed mushrooms and they are always a hit.
Teresa D. says
December 28, 2015 at 2:21 pmI definitely make a large batch of potato salad for gatherings. Lots of chopping required! 🙂
Elizabeth Kariuki says
December 28, 2015 at 6:14 pmMacaroni and cheese! I just made it a few days ago for Christmas dinner. It’s always everyone’s favorite.
veronica v says
December 28, 2015 at 8:49 pmMy go to side dish is a creamed corn casserole.
Jessica Kaufman says
December 28, 2015 at 10:33 pmBuffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd pleaser at my home.
Steph says
December 28, 2015 at 10:36 pmI make a good isRaeli salad
Megan A says
December 28, 2015 at 10:55 pmI always bring fresh fruit, because most people like a healthy choice 🙂
heather c says
December 28, 2015 at 11:05 pmI make stuffing balls out of stuffing, parmesan, spinach, mushrooms, onions and eggs. So good!
mycraftingworld says
June 11, 2017 at 6:37 amI love tuna salad. I think I would like this version too. Now that is it warmer weather…. I will be putting this on the menu.
tara pittman says
August 14, 2017 at 1:35 pmWhat a yummy dish to bring to a potluck. It looks easy to make too.
Cassie says
August 14, 2017 at 7:29 pmThis looks really tasty Kelly. I am very partial to a devilled egg myself so I like the idea of mixing it up into a pasta salad. I really do like salads with eggs in them
Claudia Krusch says
August 14, 2017 at 9:08 pmI am always looking for new healthy recipe to try. I love that this is a whole grain salad. I will have to give this recipe a try this weekend.
Jen Temcio says
August 14, 2017 at 10:32 pmI have never put eggs and tuna together but it is a great idea. I am making this for my family tomorrow and guarantee we will each love it!
Heather Johnson says
August 14, 2017 at 11:08 pmI am all about easy meals and whole grains! Your Whole Grain Tuna Macaroni Pasta Salad sounds like a perfect addition to my recipe book for my family!
maxine says
August 15, 2017 at 1:40 amOh, I love your recipe. I think I need to cook this for my family this weekend.
Amisha says
August 15, 2017 at 5:09 amDelicious and very nice recipe and healthy too. I am definitely going to try it
Natasha Fedderman says
August 15, 2017 at 5:34 amAh this is so yummy! I always love having tuna and egg together.
Dhemz says
August 15, 2017 at 11:49 amoh, my goodness! That looks really good. I’ve never had this kind of pasta salad before. I would love to try it! Thanks for sharing.
Echo says
August 15, 2017 at 12:59 pmThis looks so good! I love deviled eggs! I would probably sub the tuna for chicken though!
Tina Gleisner says
August 15, 2017 at 8:00 pmLooks & sounds delicious so maybe tomorrow night’s dinner? Thanks for sharing
Jessie says
August 15, 2017 at 11:35 pmThanks a lot for your recipe! It helps me to be healthy. I’ll try it tomorrow.
Caryn/The Mid Life Guru says
August 16, 2017 at 12:16 amIn the summer, my favorite side dish is cucumber and onion salad made with a vinegar dressing.
April says
August 16, 2017 at 8:54 amI love that they make whole wheat macaroni! This dish looks so good and delicious! My husband would love this. Especially for lunch.
Ron Leyba says
August 16, 2017 at 12:57 pmOh my, I gotta try this recipe. Looks really delicious!
Andrea says
August 17, 2017 at 4:55 pmYum – this looks super delicious! I think I could even get my kids to eat this dish — adding it to next week’s grocery list!