Rich and Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with a Twist

A bowl of tuna pasta in a red bowl, placed on a table with thinly sliced carrots on the side.

A Tuna Pasta Salad Worth Making Again and Again

Tuna was a staple in my home growing up, and so was tuna pasta salad, but not quite like this recipe. Back then, it was usually just mayo, relish, tuna, and pasta, with maybe a few veggies thrown in. Simple, but nothing to write home about. This version though is rich and creamy with a twist that takes it from basic to something potluck-worthy. It’s packed with flavor and just filling enough to be a full meal when the summer heat makes cooking feel like too much work. And let’s not forget it’s budget-friendly! A flavorful, wallet-friendly meal? That’s music to my ears and this one definitely delivers.

Let’s Talk Tuna – The Star of the Show

Since tuna is the star of the show, we’ve got to give it some attention. I personally love solid albacore tuna, it’s meaty, less fishy-tasting, and not nearly as watery as other varieties. But honestly, any tuna will work, as long as you drain it really well. The last thing we want is a watery salad that dilutes all those good flavors. If you’re using tuna packed in oil, go ahead and drain it, then blot it with a paper towel to soak up any excess. While it won’t ruin the salad, it can make it a little greasy—and let’s be real, mayo already brings plenty of oil to the party!

Mayo or Miracle Whip? And Let’s Talk Pasta!

The next two ingredients come down to personal preference—mayo or Miracle Whip. For this dish, I’m team mayo all the way. I think it’s creamier and doesn’t have the extra spices and sugar that Miracle Whip does. Now, don’t get me wrong—I love the Whip on my sandwiches, but for this pasta salad? Mayo wins. That said, if you prefer Miracle Whip, go for it! Just be sure to taste before adding the sweet relish so things don’t get too sweet.

Now, let’s talk pasta! I love elbow macaroni for this dish, but really, any pasta will work. Want to upgrade the look and texture? Try rotini, fusilli, or even shells and bowtie pasta. Feeling adventurous? Give orecchiette a shot, it’s great for holding in all that creamy sauce and chunks of tuna. So many fun possibilities!

What You’ll Need for Tuna Pasta Salad

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Pasta: Elbow macaroni, cooked and drained. A classic pasta shape that holds up well and absorbs all the creamy goodness.
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Mayonnaise: Choose your favorite for a better experience. Mayo gives the salad its creamy texture, and the brand you use will affect the flavor—so pick the one you love most!
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Dijon Mustard: If you’re not a fan of tang, choose yellow mustard or omit it entirely. Dijon adds a zesty punch, but you can adjust it based on your taste.
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Sweet Relish Juice: To add a subtle sweetness and balance out the tangy flavors. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference in flavor.
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Pimentos or Red Peppers: Drained pimentos or diced red peppers add color and a mild sweetness that rounds out the salad.
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Seasoning: Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste. A pinch of each brings out all the flavors, giving the salad that perfect balance.
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Herbs: Marjoram and dried tarragon are the secret weapons. If you don’t have these herbs, try a mix of basil and thyme or oregano for a different twist.
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Tuna: Solid albacore, drained. Mild and flaky, albacore holds up well in the salad without overwhelming the other flavors.
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Peas: Frozen peas, cooked and cooled. These add a burst of sweetness and a nice pop of color to the dish.
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Celery: Diced small. Adds a fresh crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
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Onion: Diced small. A savory bite from fresh onion balances the sweetness and brings a little kick to the salad.
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Carrot: Diced thin or julienned. A subtle sweetness and colorful addition that makes the salad even more vibrant.

Ingredients for tuna pasta, including mayo, Dijon mustard, and other items, unmixed in a bowl.

Mixing the Sauce

This recipe has three key components, and we’re starting with the sauce. Of course, you can cook your noodles first and set them aside to cool while you prepare the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayo, mustard, relish juice, and seasonings. Whisk everything together until it's smooth and well-blended. This creamy base will be the heart of your salad, bringing everything together with rich flavor.

Bringing It All Together

Once your creamy sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni, celery, onion, and carrot to the bowl. Stir thoroughly, making sure everything is coated with the sauce. Then, gently fold in the drained tuna and cooked peas. The key here is to keep the tuna intact, so mix carefully.

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want extra creaminess, feel free to add a little more mayonnaise and tweak the spices to your liking. Let it chill in the fridge for a bit, and then serve up this vibrant, flavorful tuna pasta salad!

Cooked elbow noodles in a bowl, unseasoned and ready for the sauce.

Tuna pasta with sauce, veggies, and seasonings all mixed together on top of the cooked elbow noodles.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Creamy, cool, and loaded with texture—this tuna pasta salad is perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Prep Time15

Cook Time8

Servings6

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta cooked and drained
1 ¼ cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons sweet relish juice
3 tablespoons pimentos drained (or diced red peppers)
Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon marjoram
½ teaspoon dried tarragon or 1 teaspoon if you prefer more flavor
2 cans tuna solid albacore, drained
1 1/2 cups frozen peas cooked and cooled
2 large stalks celery diced small
1 medium onion diced small
1 carrot thinly diced or julienned

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet relish juice, pimentos (or red peppers), salt, black pepper, marjoram, and tarragon until well combined.
Add the cooked macaroni, celery, onion, and carrot. Stir thoroughly until everything is coated.
Gently fold in the drained tuna and cooked peas.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
For extra creaminess, add more mayonnaise and adjust spices accordingly.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Miracle Whip is sweeter and already seasoned, so if substituting with mayo, taste before adding tuna and peas. Garnish with extra carrots or cracked black pepper. This salad tastes even better the next day!

"Mixing tuna pasta with a spoon, blending the creamy sauce, noodles, and vegetables together

Peas and tuna chunks added on top of the mixed tuna pasta, ready for the final stir.

FAQ About Storing Tuna Pasta Salad

How long does tuna pasta salad last in the fridge?
3 to 4 days in a sealed container is ideal for freshness and food safety.
Can I make it the day before?
Yes, and it often tastes even better the next day once the flavors come together.
What’s the best way to store it?
Keep it chilled in an airtight container. Stir before serving if it looks dry.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing isn’t ideal—the mayo and pasta texture don’t hold up well after thawing.
What if it looks a little dry the next day?
Add a spoonful of mayo, a splash of milk, or even a touch of water to loosen it up.
Is it good for meal prep?
Yes! Make a batch and portion it into containers for easy lunches or snacks.
How long can it sit out at a potluck?
Aim for no more than 1 to 2 hours max. Keep it in a cooler if you’re outside.

close up of completed creamy tuna salad in a red bowl with a few sliced carrots .

Customizing Your Tuna Pasta Salad

I’m using classic veggies in this tuna pasta salad, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Fresh red or green peppers, broccoli, or even sweet cherry tomatoes would all be great additions, bringing some color and crunch to the mix. And let’s not forget about the herbs—I’m using marjoram because it has a light, slightly sweet oregano flavor that works beautifully here. If you don’t have marjoram, no worries! A little oregano (remember, it’s stronger!), thyme, or basil will work just fine. Don’t have tarragon? No problem! Swap it in for some fresh basil or simply leave it out altogether. But trust me, tarragon adds a nice little zing to the dish, balancing out the richness.

If you’re craving even more flavor, a small pinch of garlic powder can do wonders to enhance the taste. But as it is, this tuna pasta salad is tangy, rich, creamy, and just the right amount of flavorful without being overpowering. It’s the perfect balance, and with the right ingredients, you’ll be hooked! And if you like budget-friendly meals that are easy and full of flavor, try my cheesy tuna casserole, and of course, you can pair it with a nice snickerdoodle cookie.

by Everyday Dana

You can find me playing around in the kitchen, sipping on coffee, and bringing comfort food to the table. Life’s all about those cozy, everyday moments!

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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!