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Tuna Macaroni Crunch

Tuna Macaroni Crunch: Quick, Creamy Picnic Delight

Tuna Macaroni Crunch is a budget-friendly, creamy salad that combines tuna, pasta, and veggies for a delightful picnic experience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Consider gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
  • 1 quart Water Necessary for boiling the pasta.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavor while cooking the pasta.
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onion Adds a fresh, mild flavor.
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper Offers a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
  • 1 cup Fresh Parsley Gives a lovely fresh twist.
  • 1 can Canned Tuna Opt for tuna in olive oil for richness.
  • 1 cup Celery Adds a delightful crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Provides tanginess.
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Adjust to taste based on your preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Hungarian Paprika Enhances flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper For seasoning; add to taste.
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce Introduces freshness and crispness.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Peas Extra veggies and color.
  • 1 cup Grated Carrots Sweetens and adds color.
  • 2 tablespoons Jalapeños For a spicy kick.
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Adds a Mediterranean twist.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with 1 quart of water and a pinch of kosher salt, bringing it to a rapid boil (5-7 minutes).
  2. Add elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes until slightly beyond al dente.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine green onion, bell pepper, parsley, canned tuna, celery, and lemon juice.
  4. Fold the cooked macaroni into the vegetable mixture and mix in mayonnaise, paprika, and black pepper.
  5. Chop iceberg lettuce and fold it into the salad mixture just before serving.
  6. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 16gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Prepare some ingredients ahead of time to save time. Chill the salad to enhance flavor before serving.

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