This is a Delicious Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe

Tuna and macaroni may not seem like the most obvious combination, but people have been eating them together as a meal for years.

Once the two ingredients are combined, it seems like the possibilities are endless. Some add pickles to give it a tangy taste. Adding spices is perfect for those that like it hot. Some even make a combination using cream of mushroom soup and peas. Served hot or cold, this meal can be a delicious main entrée or a side dish.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

This classic tuna macaroni salad recipe will become a family favorite. And it’s healthy and easy to make, too!

Tuna is a popular fish due to its convenience and distinct flavor. It's high in protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and have been shown to improve brain function and ease arthritis pain. And that’s not all.

Tuna also contains B-12, which keeps the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy, and niacin, which can improve cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risks.

This recipe also contains plenty of healthy vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and green peppers. All of these are great sources of vitamins and minerals.

Eggs are another good source of protein, and they are also rich in nutrients and antioxidants.

And the spices are just another added good-for-you bonus.

The recipe is simple to make. Just prepare the pasta, mix the ingredients and serve cold. Then, dig in and enjoy this simple recipe. The crunchy goodness of chopped vegetables, the cooked elbow macaroni, and the beneficial tuna, all combined with the seasoned mayo mixture is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. All this will come together for a meal your family is sure to love.

Healthy, inexpensive, and easy to prepare? Sounds like a win-win!

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni as label directs. Drain; rinse with cold water.

2. In large bowl combine mayonnaise, Italian dressing and mustard; mix well.

3. Add cucumber, tomato, green pepper, green onion, salt, pepper, tuna, and macaroni; toss to mix well.

4. Refrigerate, covered, until well chilled – about 4 hours. Just before serving garnish with hard-cooked egg and parsley.

Keep This in Mind When Buying Tuna

Unfortunately, the state of our oceans today means that we need to exercise caution when purchasing tuna. Tuna is safe to eat in moderate quantities, but can be risky to eat in large amounts. Let's talk about what you need to keep in mind when buying tuna, to keep your family healthy.

Generally, light tuna has the least amount of mercury, making it the safest to eat. Meanwhile, albacore and bigeye tuna both have high mercury levels. Because of this, albacore and bigeye tuna should only be eaten sparingly, and in small amounts. Try to find light tuna in your store when you can. Generally, most healthy adults can eat up to 8 oz. of light tuna a week safely. If you're eating albacore or bigeye tuna, cut that down to 4 oz. per week maximum.

If you eat too much tuna, or eat tuna too frequently, it can cause health problems. High levels of mercury can cause troubles with fine motor skills, memory, and focus. Some studies have shown that mercury toxicity can cause or worsen anxiety and depression. It takes time for your body to expel mercury, so if you've consumed a high level of tuna it's best to avoid it for several months. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about the amount of tuna you've eaten.

Tuna is a delicious fish that can be used in a variety of recipes, including this one. It's safe to consume in moderation. It's important, however, that you're aware of the risks associated with consuming too much tuna. Keep an eye on which type of tuna is in the cans you buy, and limit how much of this tuna macaroni salad you eat at once.