Smoked Sausage Pasta Salad Recipe – Perfect Side Dish for Parties, Cookouts and Potlucks
This Smoked Sausage Pasta Salad is an easy side dish that brings a lot more flavor than your average pasta salad. The smoked sausage adds a hearty bite, while the BBQ seasoning and sriracha give the dressing a smoky, slightly spicy kick. It’s simple to throw together and works great for cookouts, potlucks, lunches, or busy weeknights.
If you love easy cold pasta dishes, this Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad is another simple recipe that’s always great for BBQs, potlucks, and quick lunches.
How to Make Smoked Sausage Pasta Salad
Here are the ingredients you need to make this Cold Pasta Salad with Smoked Sausage, plus step by step instructions for how to make it.
Ingredients
- 14 oz beef smoked sausage ring
- 1 tbsp barbecue Rub (this is the seasoning we use)
- 1 lb rotini noodles
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 8 oz cheddar, cubed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (depending on your preferred spice level)
Step by Step Instructions
1. Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds, then cut each slice in half to make half-moon pieces. Place the sausage in a large skillet and sprinkle the barbecue seasoning over the top. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until heated through and lightly browned around the edges.
2. While the sausage cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until tender. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until completely cooled, tossing occasionally so all of the noodles chill evenly. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
3. Dice the tomatoes, finely chop the onion, slice the olives, and cut the cheese into small cubes or bite-sized pieces.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and sriracha until smooth and well combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir until all of the noodles are evenly coated.
5. Add the cooked sausage, tomatoes, onion, olives, and cheese to the bowl. Toss everything together until well mixed and evenly combined.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to give the flavors time to blend together.
Note
This recipe makes a large batch and can serve anywhere from 8 to 16 people depending on portion size, making it a great choice for parties, potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings.
If you want a pasta salad that’s a little different from the usual, this Smoked Sausage Pasta Salad is a good one to try. It’s creamy, smoky, a little spicy, and easy to make ahead. Serve it at BBQs, pack it for lunch, or keep it in the fridge for quick meals during the week.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Smoked Sausage Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 14 oz beef smoked sausage ring
- 1 tbsp barbecue Rub
- 1 lb rotini noodles
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 8 oz cheddar, cubed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (depending on your preferred spice level)
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds, then cut each slice in half to make half-moon pieces. Place the sausage in a large skillet and sprinkle the barbecue seasoning over the top. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until heated through and lightly browned around the edges.
- While the sausage cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until tender. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until completely cooled, tossing occasionally so all of the noodles chill evenly. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the tomatoes, finely chop the onion, slice the olives, and cut the cheese into small cubes or bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and sriracha until smooth and well combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir until all of the noodles are evenly coated.
- Add the cooked sausage, tomatoes, onion, olives, and cheese to the bowl. Toss everything together until well mixed and evenly combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to give the flavors time to blend together.
