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Easy Kielbasa Pasta Salad Recipe

Close-up of a creamy kielbasa pasta salad featuring elbow macaroni, sliced smoked sausage, and colorful bell peppers on a white plate.
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Make this hearty smoked sausage pasta salad for your next gathering. It uses simple ingredients and a bright vinaigrette dressing, making it a perfect picnic side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or medium shell pasta
  • 12 ounces fully cooked kielbasa sausage, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced kielbasa until it is lightly browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and let it cool slightly.
  3. While the sausage cools, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked kielbasa, tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, and cheddar cheese cubes.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the kielbasa pasta salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving cold.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • For a tangier dressing, increase the apple cider vinegar by one tablespoon.
  • This cold pasta salad holds up well for potlucks and can be made ahead of time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/kielbasa-pasta-salad-recipe/