German Pasta Salad (Nudelsalat)
This classic German pasta salad, known as Nudelsalat in German, is a popular side in Germany for summer BBQs, picnics, and parties.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 336kcal
Ingredients
- 250 g dry pasta fusilli, farfalle, or penne
- 1/2 cup corn defrosted
- 1/2 cup peas defrosted
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled gherkins chopped
- 1 cup cooked sausage or ham cubed, e.g. Frankfurters
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp juice from pickled gherkins
- 2 tbsp fresh chives
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the 250 g dry pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.250 g dry pasta
- Let the frozen 1/2 cup corn and 1/2 cup peas defrost at room temperature. Alternatively, you can add them to the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking.1/2 cup corn, 1/2 cup peas
- In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped 1/2 cup red bell pepper, 1/4 cup pickled gherkins, and 1 cup cooked sausage or ham.1/2 cup red bell pepper, 1/4 cup pickled gherkins, 1 cup cooked sausage or ham
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the large mixing bowl with the chopped vegetables and cooked meat.
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp juice from pickled gherkins, and 2 tbsp fresh chives until well combined. Season to taste with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp ground black pepper.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp juice from pickled gherkins, 2 tbsp fresh chives, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- Pour the dressing mixture over the cooked pasta and vegetables, and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Just before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with pickle juice, salt, and pepper if needed and garnish it with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve and enjoy your tasty German-style pasta salad as a side dish or a light meal.
Video
Notes
Cold rinse: Italians will be shocked, but for this recipe, you have to Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. It will also ensure that the pasta won't stick together.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with a tea towel or plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to mingle.
Don't over-season: The meat, mayonnaise, and pickles are all pre-seasoned. Be conservative with the seasoning to start with and season to taste after you have chilled the pasta salad.
Nutrition
Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 531mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
