Ensalada de macarrones con atún
Ensalada de macarrones con atún is a classic Spanish pasta salad, typically made with elbow macaroni, canned tuna, mayonnaise, and often includes vegetables like peas, carrots, or roasted red peppers. It's a staple of Spanish home cooking, tapas bars, and summer picnics, valued for its simplicity and satisfying nature.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced meal, providing a good mix of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the tuna, and fats from the mayonnaise and tuna oil. A typical serving offers key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and B vitamins, with a calorie range of approximately 350-450 kcal.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Selenium | 45 µg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 µg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 0.5 g |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 µg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a beloved example of Spanish 'cocina de mercado' (market cuisine) and is often served as a 'ración' or 'tapa.' Nutritionally, it's interesting because it combines a high-quality protein source (tuna) with a carbohydrate base, making it a complete and energy-dense meal that's particularly popular in warm weather.
