Tuna Macaroni Salad with Cheese

Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly cheesy, this Tuna Macaroni Salad with Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick family meal. Tender elbow macaroni is combined with flaky tuna, sharp cheddar cheese cubes, and a medley of crisp vegetables like celery, red onion, and dill pickles for a delightful mix of textures. The dressing—a luscious blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and zesty lemon juice—ties everything together with its velvety richness. Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous flavor as a finishing touch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this chilled pasta salad is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, and the hour-long refrigeration ensures every bite is packed with flavor. A must-try dish for fans of tuna salads and macaroni classics!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 5-ounce cans canned tuna
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup dill pickles
• 2 stalks celery
• 0.25 cup red onion
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Directions

Step 1

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

2. Open the canned tuna, drain any liquid, and flake it with a fork into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

3. Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes, approximately 1/4-inch in size, and add to the bowl with the tuna.

Step 4

4. Dice the dill pickles, celery, and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Add them to the bowl with the tuna and cheese.

Step 5

5. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 6

6. Pour the dressing over the bowl of tuna, cheese, and vegetables. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

7. Fold the cooked and cooled macaroni into the salad, being careful not to overmix so the pasta doesn’t break apart.

Step 8

8. Finely chop the parsley and sprinkle it over the salad. Mix gently to incorporate.

Step 9

9. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 10

10. Serve chilled and enjoy your Tuna Macaroni Salad with Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	943.8 grams (943.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3325

Total Fat 232.90g	299%
Saturated Fat 50.00g	250%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 407mg	136%
Sodium 3371mg	147%
Total Carbohydrate 232.70g	85%
Dietary Fiber 8.60g	31%
Total Sugars 21.20g
Protein 71.60g	143%

Vitamin D 45IU	227%
Calcium 664mg	51%
Iron 8mg	47%
Potassium 673mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.3%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 28.1%