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Smoked Sausage Pasta Salad

This easy Smoked Sausage Pasta Salad combines smoky sausage, pasta, veggies, and a creamy slightly spicy dressing. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and quick family meals.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Chill Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 27 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Servings: 8
Author: Carol

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.

Notes

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.