All it takes are a few days of sunshine and the opening of our local farmers market to get me digging through my recipe files for my favorite Springtime recipes. The first month of the market is a little lean but there was plenty to choose from and I gathered up what caught my eye with the thought that I would decide what to make when I got home. Looking over my loot, I decided a fresh pasta salad was the way to go.
My mom loved macaroni salad so it was on the table often during the summer months. Her version was pretty basic, pasta, mayo dressing, some chopped celery and onion, and chopped deviled eggs. With all the fresh produce I found at the farmers’ market I added some extra veggies plus a can of white albacore water packed tuna. This old fashioned, well loved salad can be dressed up or down and I haven’t met many versions I didn’t like. Tuna adds a nice heartiness to the dish and small shrimp are delicious too.
The first flowers of spring are a welcome sight. I couldn’t resist a big bouquet to take home. Spring came in like a lion…record rain falls.. and I hope it goes out like the proverbial lamb. I had to have my grass cut yesterday…a sure sign that things are warming up. The weeds are growing too.
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1-3/4 cups)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. sugar
- salt and pepper
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup grated carrot
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons minced pimento
- ½ cup green or red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 can water packed albacore tuna, well drained (optional)
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
- Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt and pepper in large bowl. Stir in macaroni, chopped vegetables, and whatever else you want to include. Serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad is even better the next day so don't hesitate to make it a day ahead of when you want to serve it.
This sounds so fresh for spring. Of all the things I have made my family, I have never convinced them about pasta salad, yet I love it. It is hard to eat the whole batch myself!! Maybe I should try making a tiny batch, just a single serving for me.
Jacqueline recently posted..Aqua Bunnies Easter Table
Mmm. I love macaroni salad and this one looks extra tasty with the added veggies and tuna. I am so glad the market is open… I’ll be heading there this weekend. Hope to see you!
Pam recently posted..Roasted Mushroom & Swiss on Garlicky Sourdough
Hi Pam – I’m not a vendor there any more but hope to see you Saturday. I usually go there to shop. I’m enjoying just being a customer.
Cathy recently posted..Macaroni Tuna Salad
what a yummy looking salad Cathy! I love seeing the parade of produce that will soon be showing up at the farmer’s markets (though I’m still jealous of yours! )
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine recently posted..Strawberry Crumb Bars
I love a good ole fashioned tuna salad like this, it looks amazing. The flowers you photographed are just gorgeous! I enjoy the changing of the seasons, there’s something different in the air.
cheri recently posted..Couscous Salad with Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, Chickpeas and Eggs
How nice to see the farmers market again.
My mom always made macaroni with little shrimp and I loved it.
I have never been able to replicate it, but I will try this and maybe
it will taste like my mom’s too. Thanks!
Marilyn recently posted..I Could Have Danced
Well now I want this..right now..
Yum..I will make your version soon.I must admit I rarely make macaroni sladas and yet I can crave them.
Thank you for the rceipe and Bloming eye candy!!
You are so ahead of us it isn’t funny..:(
Monique recently posted..Maple~icious~ And Geraniums~
This sounds like a perfect lunch. I so enjoy the photos of the flowers. I wish we had some of your rain.
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon recently posted..Berry Fool
This tuna salad reminds me of my first luau in Hawaii. Next to the roast pork, this was my favorite dish. Don’t know what they put in it but boy was it good. I can’t wait to give your recipe a try. Yum, now I’m ready for spring.
Karen Harris recently posted..Putting Some Odds and Ends to Good Use: Easy Dirty Rice
Oh my goodness, it sounds like you are a good month ahead of us weather-wise. Lucky you so see those beautiful flowers at the market. I love salads like this when the weather turns warm and dinner can be something cool and simple plus made earlier in the day for those long hours working in the garden.
Susan recently posted..Biscoff Cookie Coffee Cake
Oh, that salad looks so good, Cathy…can’t wait for it to warm up enough to live on salads!
Marigene recently posted..Spring Has Sprung!
I have been thinking about a macaroni salad. I shall make this soon as it sounds above and beyond!
Thanks for sharing.
Carol
Carol at Serendipity recently posted..This and that. . .
I always add tuna to my macaroni salad Cathy, it’s pure comfort food to me:@)
Tuna in a macaroni salad would only make it better. I’ve said it before, you have the most lovely farmer’s market.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Pan-Seared Scallops with Sautéed Oranges
What a cute way to serve macaroni salad! I am the only one in my family that enjoys mac salad, so perhaps I will quarter your recipe ;o) Love the photos from the farmers market.
Debbie@Mountain Breaths recently posted..Blueberry Streusel Bars
No farmers’ market here for awhile but soon. My mother loved macaroni salad too. I’ve never added tuna or shrimp but why not? Perfect luncheon fare!!
Best,
Bonnie
Bonnie recently posted..Home Again, Home Again
Isn’t it interesting how our food tastes change with the seasons? Macaroni and tuna salads or two of my favorites so combining the two sounds terrific to me.
Lulu recently posted..House of Twigs
This sounds oh so good Cathy – two great salads combined into one.
Larry recently posted..Blogger Party & Homemade Reuben
This looks fabulous!! I need to buy tuna sometime soon. yum!!
ATasteOfMadness recently posted..Pretzel and Nutella Granola
I’d have to say that during the summer months a pasta salad with tuna is one of my favourites Cathy.
bellini recently posted..The Virtual Supper Club Celebrates Easter with a Spring Pea Soup with Crab Flan
This looks so good Cathy, just perfect for spring and summer! We have not had tuna salad for a long time, so thank you for the inspiration and looking forward to try it soon 🙂
Judit & Corina |Wine Dine Daily recently posted..Tomato Basil Mozzarella Orzo Salad Picnic
Sounds like a perfect Lenten meal, too, Cathy. I’ve always loved macaroni salad and the addition of tuna add some protein.
Kitty recently posted..Tea Cup Exchange
A wonderful pasta salad, Cathy. I love the addition of tuna.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Vegan Gluten Free Black Bean Brownies
This sounds delicious!
I am actually kind of excited for lunch tomorrow when I come home..
It’s prepped:)
I didn’t have pimientos..nor green peppers..I improvised..
Thanks again!
Monique recently posted..Lemon,Blueberry and Cream Cheese Muffins~
Those pictures of the farmers market have me itching to go.
I like tuna. I like macaroni. But, have never developed a taste for them combined.
Spring has arrived in our area at last. We have been having lots of rain too but I won’t complain as it has melted the majority of snow. Your farmers market inspired macaroni salad sounds great.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Cheese Steak With Broccoli Rabe, The Best Italian Sandwich
Your adaption of the classic macaroni tuba salad looks amazing! I love it all!!!! MMMMMM! X
Sophie recently posted..Raw dreamy creamy strawberry smoothies!
Mmmm this does remind me of childhood and 4th of July cookouts! What a wonderful salad filled with great flavors! I never think to make salads like this in France but I’ve bookmarked this one!
Jamie recently posted..French Financiers with Blueberries or Chocolate Chips