Tuna Pasta Salad

This is one of those vintage-style recipes that’s earned a permanent spot at our family cookouts. It’s creamy, cold, a little salty, and unapologetically Miracle Whip-based (don’t even mention mayo around here). Served with potato chips on the side, it’s pure summer on a plate.

Whether you love it as a make-ahead lunch or a no-fuss BBQ side, this tuna pasta salad is comfort food in a bowl.

Ingredients

• Dried Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice—it holds just the right amount of dressing in every bite. Shells or rotini work too.
• Tuna: Use canned tuna packed in water, drained well. This recipe uses a lot, so grab the larger cans.
• Celery & Onion: Add crunch and just enough bite to balance the creaminess.
• Miracle Whip: Not mayo. The tangy sweetness is the signature flavor here. You’ll need extra for stirring in before serving.
• Salt & Pepper: Just enough to bring it all together.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta to al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.
2. Mix the dressing. In a large bowl, combine Miracle Whip, onion, celery, and tuna.
3. Toss it all together. Add the cooled pasta and gently mix until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Add a spoonful or two of Miracle Whip before serving if the salad seems dry.

Chef’s Tips

• Use cold pasta. Rinsing under cold water helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm.
• Don’t overmix. Stir gently to avoid breaking the tuna into mush.
• Let it chill. This salad tastes best after it’s had a few hours in the fridge.
• Add-ins? Hard-boiled eggs, frozen peas, or shredded carrots are easy additions if you want to bulk it up.

What to Serve With Tuna Pasta Salad

This is a perfect potluck or picnic side. Serve it with:

• Classic BBQ chicken or burgers
• Salt and vinegar chips (our family go-to)
• Sliced tomatoes or pickles on the side

Need another family classic that always vanishes at family BBQs? Whip up some Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.

How to Store

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir in a little extra Miracle Whip if it dries out. This, like all pasta salads, salad doesn’t freeze well so please don’t try it.

If you’ve tried this Tuna Pasta Salad recipe or any other recipe on passthesushi.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also follow along for more good eats and travel tips on Instagram @passthesushi & @girlcarnivore, Twitter & Facebook.

Tuna Pasta Salad

As far as recipes goes, this is a cold pasta salad with tons of Miracle Whip (according to my family, it simply can’t be mayo) which makes me think of Paula Deen… who I’m not a fan of. But every now and then a big helping pile of this with salty potato chips on the side brings me back to summer time barbecues.

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American

Author: Kita Roberts

2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• ▢ 1/2 box dried pasta - elbows go a long way with my family
• ▢ 1/2 medium onion - chopped
• ▢ 3 stalks celery - chopped
• ▢ 1 cup Miracle Whip - plus additional as needed to moisten
• ▢ 16 oz canned tuna in water - drained
• ▢ salt and pepper

Instructions

• Prepare the pasta according to directions on box for al dente. Rinse and drain. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, toss the mayo, onions, celery and tuna. 
• Add the pasta and season with salt and pepper. Gently, toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Cover and refrigerate 2 hours before serving. Add additional Miracle Whip as needed to moisten the salad.

Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.

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