Pasta and Smoked Sausage Picnic Salad

Perfect for outdoor gatherings and summer potlucks, the Pasta and Smoked Sausage Picnic Salad combines hearty textures and vibrant flavors in an irresistible dish that’s sure to please a crowd. Featuring tender elbow macaroni, smoky sausage slices, and a colorful medley of crunchy red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. A creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar ties everything together, while shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory layer. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of herbal brightness and chilled for perfect flavor fusion, this easy-to-make salad is a standout side or main course that captures the spirit of summer dining. Ideal keywords: smoked sausage salad, pasta picnic salad, summer potluck recipes, cold pasta salad, creamy dressing recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni pasta
• 12 oz smoked sausage
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooling, slice the smoked sausage into thin, bite-sized rounds. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage slices for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and let cool.

Step 3

Dice the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and small red onion into small, even pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Set the vegetables aside.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

Add the cooled pasta, smoked sausage, diced vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 6

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad and give it a final gentle toss.

Step 7

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Serve chilled and enjoy your Pasta and Smoked Sausage Picnic Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1846.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4938.6

Total Fat 332.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 652.0mg	0%
Sodium 6426.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 364.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 39.4g
Protein 132.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1190.2mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 2587.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.1%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 29.3%