Creamy Pasta Salad with Summer Sausage (Print version)
A chilled creamy pasta salad with smoky summer sausage, crisp vegetables, cheddar, and a tangy mayo sour cream dressing.
# Ingredients:
For the salad
01 -
12 oz (340 g) rotini or penne pasta
02 -
8 oz (225 g) summer sausage, casing removed if needed, diced small
03 -
1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
04 -
1 cup (130 g) cucumber, diced
05 -
1/2 cup (75 g) red bell pepper, diced
06 -
1/3 cup (50 g) red onion, finely diced
07 -
1/2 cup (70 g) sliced black olives, drained
08 -
1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
09 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
For the creamy dressing
10 -
3/4 cup (170 g) mayonnaise
11 -
1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
12 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 -
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
14 -
1 teaspoon honey
15 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
17 -
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
18 -
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
19 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water.
02 -
Shake off excess water and let the pasta sit in the colander for 5 minutes. The pasta should be cool and not dripping wet before mixing.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
04 -
Dice the summer sausage, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and cheddar. Halve the tomatoes, drain the olives, and chop the herbs.
05 -
Add the cooled pasta, summer sausage, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, cheddar, and herbs to the dressing. Fold gently until evenly coated.
06 -
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir before serving and adjust with a little extra sour cream, mayonnaise, or milk if the dressing has tightened.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best after at least 1 hour of chilling.
02 -
Stir before serving because the pasta absorbs dressing as it rests.
03 -
Do not leave creamy pasta salad out longer than 2 hours.