My Mom's Macaroni Salad!

My Mom's Easy and Simple Macaroni Salad! 

You Need:
-StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in water, 5 oz can
-Miracle Whip, 2 cups to 2 1/2  
-3 cups uncooked Creamette Ready Cut  Spaghetti noodles 
-Sweet Peas, 15 oz can
-Salt 
-Pepper

1. Cook the noodles in salted (4-5 strong shakes with salt shaker), boiling water. Use a large saucepan. Cook until they are just tender. Watch closely so you don't overcook.
2. Strain the noodles and run COLD water over them. You need to cool them down so they don't continue to cook. Once the noodles are slightly cooled, use your hands to lift the noodles and toss them gently in the strainer with cold water running over them until they are completely cooled.

3. Shake off excess water and dump the noodles into a large bowl. 
4. Drain the water off of the tuna and the sweet peas and add them into the bowl with the noodles. You will have to break up the tuna with your fingers. Toss until the noodles, peas and tuna are complete mixed up. I like using my hands (wash first) to mix everything up but if you don't like getting your hands dirty you may use a spatula or spoon. If you use a spatula or spoon make sure you toss gently instead of stirring. 

5. Add your Miracle Whip. The amount you need can vary. Start with two cups and if the noodles seem dry you can add a bit more. 
6. Mix the Miracle Whip and the noodles/peas/tuna together. I suggest using a spoon or spatula this time. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of pepper during the mixing process. Taste and if you think it needs a bit more salt or pepper add some. 

7. Dish up and serve. Store the leftovers in the frig. This macaroni salad is a great side dish with a sandwich for lunch or for a picnic or if you just need a quick bite before you have to run. This is a simple, easy, and yummy side dish to have in the refrigerator for a few days. 

Options!

With this macaroni salad you can add a few more things. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. These options are: 

-1/2 cup of small diced celery

-1 small onion (red, yellow, white-your choice) 

-Tiny cubed cheddar cheese or self shredded cheddar cheese. Don't use the bagged shredded cheese you buy in the store because the powder on it doesn't work with this salad. 

---If you add these things you will have to add a bit more Miracle Whip and a little more salt/pepper. 

Enjoy!

Comment if you have any questions!