The Ultimate Southern-Style Cold Salad
This isn’t your average tuna salad—it’s Tuna Macaroni Salad done the OneStopChop way. Creamy, tangy, and seasoned to perfection, this Southern-style classic brings together elbow noodles, shredded boiled eggs, tuna, and bold spices with a lemon-pepper and Cajun twist.
Perfect for cookouts, Sunday dinners, or meal prep, it’s a comfort food staple that can hold its own at the table or on the go. Whether served as a side or a main, this cold salad packs protein, nostalgia, and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 3–4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and shredded
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1–2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to your preference)
- 2–3 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1–2 cans tuna, drained
- Lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)
- Cajun seasoning (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Boil eggs, peel, and shred using a grater or fork.
- Dice tomato and onion. Drain tuna.
Step 2: Build the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with shredded eggs, diced tomato, onion, tuna, mustard, mayonnaise, and relish.
Step 3: Season and Mix
- Add lemon pepper and Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is creamy, well-combined, and seasoned throughout.
- Adjust mayo or mustard as needed for consistency and flavor.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve cold as a side dish or enjoy as a main meal with crackers or toast.
Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Make it your own: Add chopped celery, bell pepper, or even jalapeños for extra crunch or heat.
- Protein boost: Use two cans of tuna for a heartier version.
- Chill it well: The flavors meld better after resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve it right: Perfect for BBQ plates, potlucks, or packed lunches.
About the Creator
Daven Gates is a culinary creative bringing bold, down-home flavor to every dish. Known as OneStopChop, he shares comfort food recipes with a twist, combining simplicity and Southern soul.
Follow him for meals that are easy to love and hard to forget.
Daven Gates aka OneStopChop | @onestopchop_