Tuna Pasta Salad

Creamy, tangy, and packed with texture, this Tuna Pasta Salad is the ultimate potluck pleaser or quick-fix meal. Loaded with shell pasta, tender tuna, crunchy celery, sweet peas, and zesty pickles, it’s tossed in a seasoned mayo dressing that hits all the right notes. Serve it for lunch, as a side, or bring it to your next barbecue — it’s always a hit.

If you’ve enjoyed our Classic Macaroni Salad or Chicken Pasta Salad, this tuna version brings all the comfort and flavor with a satisfying seafood twist.

What is Tuna Pasta Salad?

Tuna Pasta Salad is a cold pasta dish featuring cooked pasta, canned tuna, veggies, cheese, and a seasoned mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s creamy, filling, and easy to customize. As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — and this salad definitely knows the way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: With pasta, tuna, cheese, and veggies, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.

Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Ideal for meal prep, picnics, and parties.

Tons of Flavor: Dill pickles, red onion, and dried dill add a tangy twist to the creamy dressing.

If you liked our Ranch Pasta Salad or Tuna Macaroni Salad, this one will be your new go-to.

How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad

Quick Overview

Cook the pasta, prep the mix-ins, stir in the dressing, and chill. This dish comes together in 30 minutes or less and tastes great the same day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shell pasta
• 12 ounces tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, diced

For the Dressing:

• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare shell pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, tuna, peas, celery, red onion, pickles, and cheese.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, garlic salt, onion salt, pepper, and dill weed until smooth.
4. Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mix and stir to combine. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Tuna Pasta Salad

• Grilled chicken or burgers
• Fresh fruit or a simple green salad
• Crackers or garlic bread
• A glass of lemonade or iced tea

Top Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad

• Use Cold Pasta: Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep it firm.
• Chop Ingredients Evenly: For a consistent bite in every forkful.
• Add Milk if Needed: After refrigerating, stir in a splash of milk to loosen if the salad is dry.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to mayo and fresh veggies.
• Refresh Before Serving: Stir and adjust seasonings or moisture as needed after chilling.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Elbow, rotini, or bowties work great too.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely — just make sure it’s cooked and flaked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

What kind of pickles are best?
Dill pickles give a nice tang, but sweet pickles can be used for a different flavor.

Conclusion

This Tuna Pasta Salad is creamy, crunchy, and full of bold, refreshing flavor — the perfect addition to your next picnic or weeknight dinner rotation. Easy to make and even easier to love, it’s a classic dish with a twist that everyone will enjoy.