Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Bowl of tuna pasta salad with fresh dill.

This creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is a classic cold pasta salad loaded with tender pasta, flaky tuna, crunchy celery, red onion, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s easy to make ahead and perfect for potlucks, BBQs, cookouts, or quick lunches.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Pasta Salad, Tuna

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Refrigerating 2

Total Time 2 30

Servings servings

Calories 486kcal

Author Darcey Olson

Cost $6

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni or medium pasta shells *Note 1
2 5 oz canned tuna in water, well drained
2 ribs diced celery, thinly sliced
1 cup mayonnaise *Note 2
½ cup diced red onions
¼ cup dill relish
1 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp yellow mustard
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
chopped fresh dill, to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta to al dente, according to the directions on the back of the box. Transfer the pasta to a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Fold the tuna, celery, mayonnaise, onion, relish, vinegar, mustard, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper into the macaroni until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Preferably overnight.
Stir before serving. Add 1-2 tbsp mayo if needed to get a creamy consistency. Top with fresh dill, to taste.

Notes

Note 1 – While I recommend sticking to macaroni or shells, you can sub in your favorite pasta shape.

Note 2 – Use your favorite brand of mayo. If you use a sub-par brand the final product will suffer.

Nutrition