best tuna pasta salad

Name: Best Tuna Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounce(s) mini pasta shells; 12 ounce(s) chunk albacore tuna, drained; 1 cup(s) diced celery; 1 cup(s) diced green bell pepper or 1 c frozen peas, thawed; 1 cup(s) mayonnaise; 1 cup(s) Miracle Whip; 8 ounce(s) Kraft cheese crumbles; 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt, more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon(s) black pepper, more to taste

(3 RATINGS)

145 Pinches 11 Photos

Sarah Farrand

Saginaw, MI

Updated on Mar 4, 2026

Make no mistake, this is the best tuna pasta salad you will make, taste, share, and treasure!

Rate

Best Tuna Pasta Salad in a serving bowl.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Both slightly sweet and savory, this tuna pasta salad has a wonderful balance of flavors. We opted for peas and liked their pop of sweetness. Celery, and if you use the bell peppers, adds a nice crunch and another layer of texture. The pasta shells and tuna make this a hearty dish. We enjoyed the little chunks of cheddar cheese throughout, too. It could be a side dish for a cookout or a light meal in the warmer weather.

— The Test Kitchen

prep time 15 Min

cook time 10 Min

method Stove Top

yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

12 ounces mini pasta shells
12 ounces chunk albacore tuna, drained
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced green bell pepper or 1 c frozen peas, thawed
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup Miracle Whip
8 ounces Kraft cheese crumbles
1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste

How To Make best tuna pasta salad

Test Kitchen Tips

We don't have Kraft cheese crumbles available near us. We lightly ran an 8-oz block of cubed cheddar cheese through a food processor. Shredded cheese is another option.

Step 1

Cook the pasta to al dente while prepping the rest of the ingredients. Drain. No need to cool before mixing in your ingredients, either.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix the tuna, celery, cheese, and bell peppers or peas.
Step 3

Mix in the mayo, Miracle Whip, and a little salt and pepper.
Step 4

Fold in the cooked pasta shells.
Step 5

Then add some more pepper and mix again.
Step 6

Chill at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. Because the dressings tend to tighten up as the salad sits, more mayonnaise/Miracle Whip may need to be added just before serving.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)

calories: 535kcal, carbohydrates: 39g, cholesterol: 54mg, fat: 32g, fiber: 3g, protein: 22g, saturated fat: 9g, sodium: 1074mg, sugar: 5g, unsaturated fat: 23g

*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

Discover More

Comment & Reviews

Just A Pinch Sweepstakes