Cold Tuna Salad Pasta is the ultimate no-fuss meal that’s perfect for hot days, picnics, or quick lunches. It combines the creaminess of a traditional tuna salad with the satisfying bite of pasta, creating a dish that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Whether you’re packing it for a lunchbox, serving it as a side dish, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
At its core, Cold Tuna Salad Pasta is all about simplicity. You start with al dente pasta, which is the perfect base for absorbing all the flavors. Add in canned tuna, which provides a savory, protein-packed element, and then toss everything together with crunchy vegetables like celery, onion, and bell peppers for texture and freshness.
The dressing is where the magic happens. A classic combination of mayonnaise, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of mustard or olive oil creates a creamy yet tangy coating that binds everything together. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a tangier and healthier twist.
Feel free to get creative with your additions. Some might add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, capers for a briny punch, or even fresh herbs like parsley or dill for brightness. The beauty of Cold Tuna Salad Pasta is its versatility, it’s easy to make it your own.
This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for several hours or even a day, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Serve it chilled, and you’ve got a meal that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a potluck favorite, Cold Tuna Salad Pasta is a delicious, effortless option that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is made by Lori A. Terkeurst.
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna
- Cheese shredded or cubed
- Miracle Whip
- Green onions sliced
- dill fresh or dried
- pasta of your choice – I like shells
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions on box.
- Drain in colander and rinse with cold water.
- This is a cold salad for a hot day, so you can even add some ice cubes to speed the cooling.
- Add tuna(drained) and mix well.
- Add green onions and cheese of your choice.
- Add Miracle Whip and then dill to your choice of flavor.
- Cool in refrigerator until time for dinner.
- I like to garnish with quartered Compari tomatoes and sliced hard boiled eggs.
- Great on a day that feels too hot to eat! I like to serve with lemonade or iced ginger ale. Enjoy!
- Keep leftovers in frig and add additional Miracle Whip to taste (if there are any leftovers!) Bon Appetit!
Tuna salad? I don’t like fish. But this looks nice.
I get it! Fish isn’t for everyone, but maybe you can try it without the tuna? Just the pasta and veggies sound good too!
Yuk! Can’t imagine eating that stuff. But I guess you can always change the tuna for chicken or something else?
Super easy, but I’m not a fan of Miracle Whip—tasted too sweet to me. Next time I’ll swap for regular mayo or Greek yogurt.
Totally fair—Miracle Whip can be pretty sweet. Greek yogurt or mayo both sound like great swaps; I’ll try that next time.
This tuna salad is so refreshing! Perfect for the summer days.
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about Miracle Whip in tuna salad, but the recipe is simple enough to try. Mine turned out creamy and not too sweet.
Super easy and very filling. I added hard-boiled eggs like suggested and it turned out way better than my usual tuna sandwich.
meh.
Lori, why do you add ice cubes? Sounds weird and not necessary.
I think the ice cubes are a good idea! It makes sense to chill the salad faster on a hot day. Plus, who doesn’t love cold food when it’s blazing outside?
I don’t usually like pasta salads with fish, but this surprised me. Rinsing with cold water is key. Next time I’ll chop the tuna smaller.
This sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it on a hot day.
I forgot to refrigerate it long enough and ate it kinda warm… it was fine but not the vibe. If you follow the cooling step it probably shines.
Be honest, Miracle Whip + cheese + tuna feels like a dare lol. I tried it anyway and now I’m mad I waited so long. Weirdly addicting.
Simple. Tasty.
Simple and honestly sounds perfect for a hot day—cold pasta + tuna + Miracle Whip is a combo I can get behind. I might toss in some diced celery too, but great idea with the ice cubes!
Is Miracle Whip really necessary? I feel like mayo or Greek yogurt would taste better… also cheese and tuna together seems a little weird, no offense. But hey if it works for you!
This seems kind of bland to me. Tuna + cheese + dill is okay, but I’d add celery or pickles for more crunch and tang.
Bro, compari tomatoes? and lemonade? Sounds like a weird Pinterest salad. I mean… it probably tastes fine, but I’d swap dill for something else.
lol I get what you mean—Combining cold tuna + herbs can sound like a weird Pinterest move 😅 But the Compari tomatoes + dill actually cut the richness. I’ve tried it and it’s pretty refreshing, especially with lemonade.
Idk, Miracle Whip with dill sounds kinda gross to me. Why not use mayo and skip the herb? Also those Compari tomatoes… never heard of it. Could be a typo? I’d rather add lemon juice than lemonade.
I don’t get it. Why would you put ice cubes in a salad? That sounds weird.
I followed everything and it still tasted “flat” to me. Maybe I should’ve used fresh dill instead of dried. The tuna was fine, but I wanted more zing.
Honestly, tuna + cheese + pasta feels weird. I tried it anyway and it was edible, but I wouldn’t make it again unless I was desperate.
Totally get the “weird” combo feeling, but I think the Miracle Whip + cheese kind of brings it together. I’m with you on not making it every week though—only when it’s hot and I need something quick.
I added ice cubes like the recipe says and it cooled fast, but I swear the pasta got a bit weirdly firm. Maybe I used too much ice? Tasted good though.
I tried it but I’m not sold. The Miracle Whip flavor + dill was too strong for me, and the tuna felt a little dry even though I drained it.
Easy peasy to make! I added some cherry tomatoes and it was really good.
“Bon Appetit” but please, can we talk about the tuna? I drained mine really well or it got watery. Otherwise pretty good.
I made it exactly like the recipe, but added celery for some crunch. It was yum!
This is a solid pantry meal. I added extra green onions and a little black pepper. Would make again for sure.
So simple! I never thought of adding dill to tuna salad. Gonna make it again!
I don’t understand the dill part. Why would you put that in tuna salad? It’s just fish!
This is exactly the kind of quick cold meal I need on hot days. The ice-cubes tip for cooling the pasta is genius—definitely doing that next time!
Right?! The ice cubes really do make it faster—no lukewarm pasta nonsense. 😄 I always rinse with cold water too, and then chill it just enough to be refreshing.
This was super simple to make and perfect for a hot day! I added some celery for crunch. Yum!
Sounds delicious! I usually don’t like tuna but this might change my mind. Thanks for the tip on adding celery!
Ugh, tuna salad is gross. Miracle Whip? Really? Just use mayo like a normal person. 🤢
Shell pasta is a solid choice. I added a little pepper and it felt more “restaurant” somehow. Would recommend.
I tried it and it tastes like my aunt’s tuna salad… which is a compliment, but also now I feel judged because mine wasn’t as good.
Okay so I rinsed the pasta like it says (thank you), and adding a couple ice cubes was genius. My kids asked for seconds, so yeah…
My kids said it tastes like tuna mac, so that’s a win. I didn’t have compari tomatoes (or whatever brand), so I used regular cherry tomatoes and it worked.
I’m not sure about adding ice cubes—won’t that water it down? I guess you’re supposed to use it briefly while cooling? Either way, tasty results.
Compari tomatoes?? Are you sure you don’t mean cherry tomatoes? I used what I had and it still turned out okay, but I was confused at that step.
This reminds me of my grandma’s tuna salad, but faster. Also, iced ginger ale with it is… weirdly perfect.
Aww that sounds super comforting—my grandma did something similar too. Also I’ve never thought to pair tuna salad with ginger ale, but “weirdly perfect” has me intrigued 😂
I don’t eat tuna much (don’t judge). But I made this for my family and they said it was “actually really good.” Kinda salty though—might need less mayo/cheese next time.
This is super easy and refreshing! Perfect for summer.
I made this for a picnic last weekend and everyone loved it! So easy to prepare.
I don’t get why you would want to add ice cubes. Isn’t that kinda weird? But I guess to each their own.
I followed the recipe, but the pasta got all soggy. Not sure if I did somethin wrong.
Can u make it with leftover chicken instead of tuna? I hate tuna. 🤮
Tuna salad is good for summer! But where’s the pickles? 😂
I followed it mostly but my family said it needed more flavor. Maybe add celery or mustard next time? Still decent.
I’m skeptical of tuna + pasta + mayo-ish stuff, but my kids devoured it. I added a little black pepper and it tasted way better than I expected.
Is it really a salad if it’s pasta? 🤔
Pasta salad is still a salad! It’s all about the ingredients! 🍝🥗
My pasta stayed kinda warm even after the fridge. Maybe my refrigerator is weak or I’m just impatient 😅 But once it chilled, it was good.
As a vegan, I couldn’t try this but it sounds delish!
My kids loved this! They usually don’t eat tuna but this was a hit!
I don’t like cooking, so this is perfect for me. Easy peasy!
Tuna salad? I dunno, tuna kinda smells weird, right? Maybe I’ll try it but I’m not super excited.
This sounds so easy! I usually avoid cooking, but this might be my go-to recipe now. Thanks!
I don’t know about the Miracle Whip. Can’t you just use mayo? Seems weird.
I think Miracle Whip gives it that nice tangy flavor that mayo just can’t match! It’s kinda the secret ingredient. 😄
The Compari tomatoes thing—do you mean Capri? I searched my pantry and only had cherry tomatoes, but it was fine. Recipe still helped!
This is a great recipe! Loved the addition of dill. Perfect for summer days!
“Compari tomatoes”?? I Googled and assumed you meant Campari, lol. Still good though—just make sure your garnish is actually tomatoes and not whatever autocorrect did.
Yummy! My kids even liked it, which is rare. Will make again!
Miracle Whip is my weakness. I know it’s not everyone’s vibe, but it works here. The rinse-cold-water step matters—mine wasn’t soggy at all.
Made it yesterday and added a little celery for crunch. Loved the dill and green onions. Next time I’ll add extra cheese too.
I don’t get the ice cubes in the salad step… seems like it’ll water it down. I skipped that and cooled it in the fridge like normal. Still turned out good.
Pretty good, but I used shredded cheese and it disappeared into the salad like slime 😅 Still tasty though. Next time I’ll do cubes like the title suggests.
I don’t like Miracle Whip, can I use mayo instead? 🤔
Yeah, mayo is great! Just don’t put too much or it’ll taste weird. 😅
I dunno, mayo just ain’t the same. Miracle Whip got its own flavor, you know? 🤷♂️
Really good idea using pasta, makes it filling! But I forgot the dill, my bad.
Made this for my picnic and everyone loved it! Will make again.
Not so sure about the Miracle Whip… I prefer mayo. 😬
Miracle Whip is kinda sweet for tuna salad in my opinion. I used mayo instead and it felt more balanced. Wouldn’t call it bad, just not my taste.
I did hard-boiled eggs on top like suggested and that made it feel like a real meal, not just tuna salad. 10/10 for hot days.
Yes!! Hard-boiled eggs on top is such a game changer. Makes it feel way more filling—like actual dinner instead of “sad lunch” 😅 Great call for hot days too!
Hot day or not, tuna + mayo-y stuff just feels heavy to me. But the egg garnish sounds decent. Did you mix the Miracle Whip with the tuna, or just leave it as a topping?
Doesn’t sound filling enough. Where’s the meat?? 👀
I don’t understand why people like cold tuna salad? Fish chillin’ in the fridge just ain’t right.
Sounds good, but I don’t like tuna. Can I use chicken instead?
Sure, chicken would be fine! Just make sure it’s cooked. I think it’ll taste good too.
I didn’t have Compari tomatoes, so I used regular cherry ones and it was still great. Also, rinsing pasta with cold water helps a ton so it doesn’t clump.
Good to know about the cherry tomatoes— I always forget brands matter. And yeah, rinsing pasta with cold water is a game changer for clumps. 🍝❄️
Miracle Whip + tuna feels kinda too sweet to me… but if you say it’s great I’ll try it. Also I thought rinsing pasta was bad? lol
Too many steps for tuna salad imo. Like boil pasta, rinse, cool, then mix—honestly I usually just use mayo and call it a day.
Delicious and easy! Just what I need for this heatwave.
Not sure about adding ice cubes… I tried it and my tuna mixture got a little watery. I’d skip that step and just refrigerate longer.
The “add ice cubes” step is genius. I was impatient and it cooled fast without messing it up.
This is exactly the kind of no-fuss lunch I need. The cold pasta + Miracle Whip combo hits every time—tastes like a diner salad.
Yes!! This sounds like the exact lunch I’d actually make. Cold pasta salads are the best on hot days—Miracle Whip + dill is such a classic diner vibe.
Miracle Whip? I dunno, that seems kinda sweet for tuna, but I guess the cold pasta would mellow it. Might try it once and see…
The ice cubes tip is genius. I did it and it cooled way faster than waiting in the fridge. Great for weekday dinners.
Yes!! The ice cube step really helps—especially if you’re trying to eat on time after work. I usually forget and just wait in the fridge, but this sounds smarter.
Wow, easy recipe!!! My kids ate it all up, even the green onions!
Honestly this is great when you don’t wanna cook. Also the shells idea is good—held onto the sauce better than spaghetti would.
Pretty straightforward and actually tastes like something you’d pay for at a deli. I used canned tuna with a little extra salt/pepper and it didn’t need much else. Would make again.
Yes! I made this for lunch and it really tastes deli-ish. Used elbow pasta and threw in extra green onions—so good.
I dunno about the Miracle Whip part… I used mayo instead and it was fine, but still kind of bland to me. Maybe I shoulda added more dill/seasoning.
I liked the concept, but I’d swap the Miracle Whip for Greek yogurt next time—also maybe add celery because it was a little too simple for me.
Ooh Greek yogurt sounds way better than Miracle Whip—I might try that next time. Celery too would give it more crunch. Thanks for the ideas!
Celery? maybe, but I kinda like it simple. Miracle Whip is the whole vibe lol. Also, I’m pretty sure Compari tomatoes aren’t a thing—unless you mean cherry ones? 😅
Why put ice cubes in salad? Sounds gross.
Made this on a scorcher of a day and it was honestly perfect. The cold pasta + tuna combo hits every time. I skipped the Compari tomatoes and just used cherry ones—still great.
Love this! I’m also a “hot day” person so the cold pasta + tuna combo always saves me. Cherry tomatoes sounds like a great swap—Compari ones are a little hit-or-miss. 😄
Honestly, this is simple and cheap, and that’s a win in my book. I tossed in chopped celery and it tasted like a real lunch.
Yum! I added avocado instead of cheese. So good! 😋
Tried this on a scorcher and it totally saved dinner. The rinse-with-cold-water step is key—pasta didn’t turn mushy.
My kids loved it! They even ate the green onions, which is a miracle in itself. Just a bit salty for my taste.
I used canned tuna with a little mustard and it still worked. Shell pasta is perfect for this—kinda satisfying every bite. Would make again!
This was a hit at my potluck! Everyone wanted the recipe.
Not gonna lie—Miracle Whip in tuna salad is the only way I know. Green onions gave it that fresh bite. Will make again for sure.
I don’t know about Miracle Whip… never tried it before. Can I just use mayo instead?
Yeah, you can use mayo instead of Miracle Whip! It’ll give it a different flavor but still be good. Just remember, mayo is creamier!
Yummy! Just made it for lunch and now I’m stuffed. The cheese make it creamy 😍.
Tuna salad? Really? I’ve never thought cheese goes with tuna. Sounds weird but maybe I’ll give it a try.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it! The cheese really does add a nice touch. What’s your favorite kind of cheese to use?
Cold salad and hot day? Genius! Do you think it would taste good with shrimp too?
The recipe is simple, but “cheese shredded or cubed” confused me. I used shredded and it got a little melty while mixing—still tasty though.
Tried this on a scorching day and it totally hit the spot. The dill + Miracle Whip combo is weirdly perfect, and the cold pasta trick is genius. I added extra green onions because I’m a gremlin, and it was great.
I think the ratio is a bit off—mine needed more seasoning (salt/pepper) because the tuna felt flat. Otherwise it was good and quick.
This is exactly the kind of no-fuss cold meal I need in summer. The ice-cubes tip is genius—definitely doing that next time.
Miracle Whip always gets hate, but it works here. The green onions make it feel fresher. I also did the hard-boiled eggs garnish and loved it.
I was skeptical about Miracle Whip, but it works with the dill. Next time I’ll add a little more green onion for crunch.
Yum! But I think it’s too much Miracle Whip, ill use less next time.
The lemonade/iced ginger ale pairing is such a vibe. Like, I know it’s random but it works lol. Would absolutely serve again.
Seriously, that lemon + ginger ale combo sounds way better than “random” lol. I’m always trying to find something refreshing with tuna salad. Gonna try it next time.
Not sure about the Compari tomatoes—do you mean Campari? I used regular cherry tomatoes and it still tasted great though.
Miracle Whip in tuna salad is kinda polarizing but I actually love it. Dill + green onions makes it feel way more “real” than plain mayo versions.
Made this for lunch today and it’s actually refreshing—nice quick protein without cooking anything else. I used dill and extra green onions and it really popped.
The hard-boiled egg garnish is a great idea. I love when tuna salad feels filling without being heavy. Good comfort food.
I followed it but my pasta got a little mushy even though I rinsed it. Maybe I overcooked—shells would’ve helped. Tastes okay.
Yeah, shells would definitely help—little ridges and they hold up better. Rinsing stops the cooking, but if they went even 30-60 seconds too long they can still turn mushy. Next time I’d undercook slightly and chill ASAP.
Tbh I think rinsing sometimes makes it weird, but maybe you just cooked them too long. Also Miracle Whip is strong—if it tastes okay to you then you’re good. Hard boiled egg sounds better than cheese anyway 😅
Sounds good but 0 mention of seasoning (salt/pepper). I added some black pepper and it made a big difference.
Totally agree—seasoning makes or breaks it. I always add salt and pepper (sometimes a squeeze of lemon too) because Miracle Whip can taste kinda flat without it.
One can tuna is like… not enough tuna. Needs more tuna, period 😂
😂 I feel you. When a tuna salad says “1 can” I’m like… that’s not tuna, that’s tuna-flavored vibes. Next time I’m going 2 cans for sure.
Hmm, I dunno. If you add more tuna, wouldn’t it get dry? I usually just bump the Miracle Whip and green onions. But yeah maybe a bit more tuna… just a little lol.
This is a great “pantry dinner.” I had no fresh dill so I used dried and it still tasted good. The lemonade pairing made me feel fancy lol.
I tried it with mayo instead of Miracle Whip and it turned out terrible. Stick to the recipe folks.
I’ve always used Miracle Whip, so I can’t imagine how mayo would make it bad. Maybe it just wasn’t for you? 🤷♀️
Why ice cubes? Sounds weird. Just chill in the fridge, right?
Ice cubes are great for cooling it down fast! Trust me, it helps. Fridge takes too long sometimes.
Okay but how much Miracle Whip is “to taste”? I eyeballed it and mine was a little too thick. Still ate it all though 😅
Cold salad?! Sounds weird but it’s actually kinda refreshing! My grandma made something similar.
So basic. I mean it’s fine, but canned tuna recipes feel all the same to me. Wouldn’t be my first choice, sorry.
Totally fair—canned tuna can get boring fast. I like this one because it’s super customizable (cheese type, extra dill, even adding hard-boiled eggs), but I get why it wouldn’t be your first choice. What tuna recipe do you usually prefer?
Made this for lunch and it was honestly so refreshing. The cold pasta + tuna + Miracle Whip combo hits perfectly on hot days. I added extra dill and it tasted bright.
I tried the Compari tomato garnish and… uh, did you mean Campari? Mine were sour and threw me off. The base recipe was still fine though.