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READY IN 20 mins

Tuna, Noodles, Pickles and Cheese

Read Reviews (17)

"This recipe came from my grandmother, who used peas in her version instead of pickles. My mother changed the recipe and I have altered it even more. The flavors of these ingredients blended together in what is reminiscent of a cold macaroni or potato salad will be your family's new favorite!" — NERDYCHEESECAKE

Ingredients Edit and Save

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Original recipe makes 4 servings Change Servings

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2 dill pickles, chopped
6 ounces Colby-Jack cheese, cubed
1 (6 ounce) can albacore tuna in water, drained and flaked

1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
1 teaspoon dill pickle juice

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Directions

Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Rinse under cold running water, then drain well and pat lightly with paper towels.
In a large bowl, stir together the macaroni, pickles, cheese, tuna, mayonnaise and mustard. Season with a splash of pickle juice, salt and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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PREP 10 mins
COOK 10 mins
READY IN 20 mins

Footnotes

Optional Additional Ingredients
Diced carrots, diced cucumbers, chopped celery, finely minced white, yellow, or Vidalia onions, finely chopped green onions.
Optional Garnishes
Hard-cooked egg slices, tomato wedges, lettuce leaf bed.
Optional Substitutions
Salad Dressing such as Ranch or Thousand Island instead of mayonnaise, peas instead of pickles.

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

May 10, 2006

My wife made this recipe for me, and I thought I would hate tuna and pickles together, but this is really good. I even eat the leftovers for breakfast. Use big pickles, like Claussen pickles, or else there won't be enough (if you use small dills). Pretty much add everything to taste - we put in a whole 8 oz block of cheese! This was great for the kids, too. Just serve some tomatoes and fruit on the side.

—adbegin

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Aug 15, 2012

I added a little fresh ground pepper and a dash of Frank's Hot Sauce. My husband took half of this to work with him for lunch and my kids ate the rest. One kid like it, one didn't and my husband was indifferent. Basic tuna pasta salad that was easy to prepare but not a home run for this family. It's a nice base recipe.

—Sarah Jo

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24 Ratings

Jun 26, 2009

This was delicious!!! I served it as a side dish, but I think it could stand alone for lunch. The only change I made was to use 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese instead of the cubes, because that's what I had on hand. I think there was a little too much cheese, I would cut back on that next time.

—HARTMR

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May 23, 2006

This was really good. I haven't made Tuna Mac Salad in awhile. I used ranch salad dressing instead of mayo (it's what I had more of)...and I doubled the recipe, I also added onions and used a deli mustard. Really loved the pickle and cheese part of the recipe! Plan on making this lots this summer, Thanks!

—WHIPPETCRAZY

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Sep 14, 2009

This is very good! All my kids favorite ingredients combined into one dish. I used bowtie pasta instead of elbow macaroni. I also used dill pickles and pickle juice from the dill pickles recipe by sharon howard on this site. I will be making this again! Thanks!

—CNM CATERING

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Dec 18, 2007

I will not make this recipe again. It has potential, but definitely lacks something. Additionally, it was very dry, even with extra mayo.

—mpainter

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May 29, 2007

This is exactly what I was looking for! I made it using fat free mayo, whole wheat pasta, and garlic dill pickles. I think next time I will add some onion and celery.

—LAUREN3581

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Sep 26, 2008

I am always on the lookout for a really flavorful pasta salad, and I love pickles! I added 1/2 tsp. onion powder and 1/2 tsp. black pepper for a little more flavor. Also used grated cheese instead of cubes.

—TheReluctantChef

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Nutrition

Calories
500 kcal
25%

Carbohydrates
55.3 g
18%

Cholesterol
58 mg
19%

Fat
18.2 g
28%

Fiber
3.3 g
13%

Protein
27.9 g
56%

Sodium
1630 mg
65%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Tuna, Noodles, Pickles and Cheese

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
** Calories: 500
** Calories from Fat: 164

% Daily Value *
** Total Fat 18.2g 28 %
** Saturated Fat 10.1g 50 %
** Cholesterol 58mg 19 %
** Sodium 1630mg 65 %
** Potassium 239mg 7 %
** Total Carbohydrates 55.3g 18 %
** Dietary Fiber 3.3g 13 %
** Protein 27.9g 56 %
** Sugars 7.6g
** Vitamin A 5 %
** Vitamin C 2 %
** Calcium 3 %
** Iron 26 %
** Thiamin 30 %
** Niacin 66 %
** Vitamin B6 11 %
** Magnesium 17 %
** Folate 58 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.