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cold tuna macaroni salad
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Easy Macaroni Salad

This Easy Tuna Macaroni Salad recipe with peas and cheddar cheese is a cross between a casserole and a tuna macaroni salad. It is an easy family favorite recipe that’s best served cold!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Chill Time4 hours 20 minutes
Course: main dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: macaroni salad, pasta salad, Tuna

Ingredients

  • 1 pound macaroni noodles
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup grated yellow onion
  • 10-12 ounces tuna packed in water drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese cubed
  • 2 cups mayo
  • ½ cup sour cream or greek yogurt
  • cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon back pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Salt the pasta water then cook the macaroni according to package directions - to al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar along with ¼ cup grated yellow onion. Stir to combine and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  • Make the dressing: in a medium-sized bowl combine 2 cups mayo with ½ cup sour cream, ⅓ cup milk, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Stir to combine.
  • After the macaroni has slightly cooled in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, stir in the dressing along with peas, and cubed cheddar cheese.
  • Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight before serving.