Tuna Macaroni Salad

Chef Boy of Dee's's Note:

This is our version of an old Betty Crocker recipe. Again, since we are garlic freaks, we kicked up the garlic and tried other improvement. This is a great side dish or along. Great for potlucks.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 (7 ounce) package shell macaroni (small sized)
• 1 (7 ounce) can tuna , drained
• 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (we also shredded it and it was ever better)
• 1⁄3; cup minced onion (grated is better)
• 1 cup salad dressing or 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic , crushed (again more is better)
• ¾ teaspoon salt (can be garlic salt)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¾ cup sliced sweet pickle relish (best if left out) (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni as desired AL DENTE.
2. Drain; rinse with cold water.
3. Combine macaroni, cheese, tuna, pickle relish (if used) and onion in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, stir together salad dressing, salt, pepper and garlic.
5. Pour over macaroni mixture and toss to coat.
6. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours (overnight is best).

Reviews

[starsugarb]

Not our favorite. I used chopped sweet relish from the jar and 3/4 cup was just too much. The amount of salad dressing mixture and relish seemed too much for the amount of tuna and pasta. I even added another can of tuna and doubled the amount of pasta. I like sweet relish in my tuna, but this was too much for our taste.

[Chef #520403]

I grew up on this recipe! Instead of the sweet pickle relish my family has always used 3/4 cup of bread and butter pickle slices drained but otherwise straight from the jar -- it gives the sweetness without being TOO sweet. Also I think the salt is a little too much.

[Chef #504769]

I made this salad for a recent potluck BBQ and everyone raved about it! Even after doubling teh recipe, the salad was gone in a flash! The garlic made it delicious and it was easy to make! This is a recipe I will definitely use over and over again!