Grandma’s Famous Mac Salad: The Ultimate Pasta Salad for BBQ Side Dishes

If there’s one recipe that has stood the test of time in our family, it’s Grandma’s Mac Salad — a creamy, savory twist on the classic pasta salad that hits the spot every single time. Whether you're planning your next cookout, hosting friends for a summer gathering, or looking for tried-and-true BBQ side dishes, this tuna mac salad is the one dish you’ll be asked to bring again and again.

In our family, no barbecue, picnic, or holiday was complete without a giant bowl of this pasta salad on the table. It’s rich, flavorful, and just the right balance of creamy and zesty. But what makes it truly special is that it’s made with love — and a few simple pantry staples you probably already have.

Let’s dive into the full recipe and why this retro favorite still earns a place at the modern-day BBQ.

Why This Pasta Salad is a BBQ Favorite

Not all pasta salads are created equal. While many stick to the usual ingredients like cucumbers, feta, and Italian dressing, this one leans into bold flavor and old-school charm. Here’s what makes Grandma’s mac salad a stand-out:

• Protein-packed with white albacore tuna, giving it a hearty edge

• Creamy and tangy thanks to a combo of mayo and spicy brown mustard

• Briny goodness from black olives and pimentos for extra flavor

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing — even picky eaters go back for seconds

• Perfect make-ahead dish — it tastes even better the next day

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to recreate this classic BBQ side dish:

• 1 lb pasta (Ditalini or elbow macaroni work best)

• 15 oz mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or your favorite creamy mayo)

• 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard

• 1 bunch green onions, finely sliced

• 2 cans solid white albacore tuna, drained

• 1 small jar of pimentos, drained

• 2 small cans of sliced black olives, drained

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions: How to Make Grandma’s Mac Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Mix-ins
While the pasta cools, dice the green onions and drain the tuna, olives, and pimentos.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and spicy brown mustard. Stir until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and gently toss to coat. Fold in the tuna, green onions, pimentos, and black olives. Mix until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld. Taste again before serving — you might want to adjust the salt or pepper.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with just about any BBQ main dish:

• Grilled burgers or brats

• BBQ chicken or ribs

• Veggie skewers or corn on the cob

• Pulled pork sandwiches

It's hearty enough to hold its own but also works as the perfect sidekick on your BBQ plate.

Tips & Variations

• Make it eggy: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and creaminess.

• Add crunch: Mix in diced celery or pickles for a bit of bite.

• Make it lighter: Swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt if you’re looking to cut back on richness.

• Go big: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger crowds.

Why This Dish Means So Much

Beyond the taste, there’s something deeply nostalgic about a bowl of cold mac salad sitting on the patio table at sunset. This recipe is more than a side dish — it’s a tradition, a memory, a taste of summers gone by. It reminds me of Grandma’s laughter echoing through the kitchen, the way she’d always sneak me a spoonful before dinner, and how food has a way of bringing people together.

Now I’m proud to share this recipe with you, in hopes it becomes a staple at your own family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for BBQ side dishes that go beyond the basics, or a pasta salad that hits all the right notes of creamy, savory, and nostalgic — Grandma’s Mac Salad is your go-to. Easy to prepare, impossible to forget, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the serving bowl.

Give it a try this weekend — and don’t be surprised if someone asks for the recipe. (Feel free to say it’s Grandma’s. She’d love that.)