Deutschländer sausages may look a little like hot dogs, but they are German-made, beechwood smoked, and less salty, which makes them especially good in pasta salads and cold platters. This recipe turns them into a quick, family-friendly salad that works for cookouts, potlucks, game day, and easy summer meals.
What Are Deutschländer Sausages?
Deutschländer sausages are mild, ready-to-eat German sausages made with 87 percent prime pork meat and beechwood smoke. They resemble hot dogs in shape, but their flavor is more balanced and less salty. Because they are tender, smoky, and easy to slice, they work well in pasta salads, potato salads, lunch plates, and quick German-style meals.
A Make-Ahead Salad for German Grillabend
This Deutschländer pasta salad is a natural fit for a German Grillabend, picnic, or summer BBQ. The creamy paprika dressing, smoky sausages, pasta, cheese, and vegetables make it sturdy enough to serve alongside grilled bratwurst, pork chops, schnitzel, pretzels, rye bread, cucumber salad, potato salad, and pickles.
Because it can be made ahead and served chilled, it is also a smart choice for potlucks, family gatherings, and game day tables.
Deutschländer Pasta Salad (Deutschländer Nudelsalat)
Ingredients
- 7 ounces spiral pasta (200 g)
- Salt
- 1 jar Meica Deutschländer sausages 6 sausages = 330 g
- 7 ounces canned sweet corn (200 g)
- 3-1/2 ounces frozen peas (100 g)
- 7 ounces Edam cheese (200 g)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3-1/2 ounces crème fraiche (100 g)
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 dashes Worcester sauce
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 3-1/2 ounces cherry tomatoes (100 g)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente in salted water, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Drain the Deutschländer and cut them into diagonal slices. Drain the sweetcorn, blanche the peas, drain and allow to cool. Cut the cheese into cubes.
- Mix the mayonnaise, crème fraîche, tomato sauce and lemon juice and then season with salt, pepper, paprika and Worcester sauce to create a savoury mix.
- Mix all salad ingredients with the dressing and the parsley and allow to marinade for about half an hour. Wash and quarter the tomatoes and arrange them on the plate with the pasta salad.
Notes
What to Serve with German Sausage Pasta Salad
Serve Deutschländer Nudelsalat with:- Bratwurst or grilled sausages
- Schnitzel
- German potato salad
- Cucumber salad
- Radish salad
- Pretzels
- Rye bread or pumpernickel
- German pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Currywurst
- Grilled chicken
- A German BBQ or soccer watch party spread
Easy Substitutions
- No Deutschländer sausages? Use bockwurst, frankfurters, knackwurst, smoked bratwurst, or another mild German sausage.
- No Edam cheese? Use Gouda, Butterkäse, Emmental, or another mild semi-firm cheese.
- No crème fraîche? Use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise.
- No spiral pasta? Use penne, fusilli, rotini, small shells, or bowties.
- Want it lighter? Use Greek yogurt in place of part of the mayonnaise and crème fraîche.
- Want more crunch? Add diced pickles, red bell pepper, cucumber, or celery.
- Want more German flavor? Add a spoonful of German mustard or chopped gherkins to the dressing.
How to Store Deutschländer Pasta Salad
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving, as the pasta may absorb some of the dressing while it sits.Can You Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes. This German sausage pasta salad is a good make-ahead recipe. Prepare it up to 1 day in advance, but add the cherry tomatoes and a little fresh parsley shortly before serving for the best texture and color. If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche, yogurt, mayonnaise, or lemon juice.Picnic and Potluck Tip
Because this pasta salad contains sausage, cheese, mayonnaise, and crème fraîche, keep it chilled until serving. For outdoor gatherings, place the serving bowl over ice and avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long.FAQ Section
What is Deutschländer pasta salad?
Deutschländer pasta salad, or Deutschländer Nudelsalat, is a German pasta salad made with sliced Deutschländer sausages, pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a creamy dressing.
What are Deutschländer sausages?
Deutschländer sausages are mild German sausages made with pork and beechwood smoke. They look similar to hot dogs but are less salty and have a balanced smoky flavor.
Can I use another sausage instead of Deutschländer?
Yes. You can use bockwurst, frankfurters, knackwurst, smoked bratwurst, or another mild German sausage.
Is German sausage pasta salad served cold?
Yes. This pasta salad is usually served chilled or cool, making it ideal for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, and summer meals.
Can I make Deutschländer pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. Make it several hours ahead or the day before. Add the tomatoes and fresh parsley shortly before serving for the best texture and color.
What pasta works best for sausage pasta salad?
Short pasta shapes such as spiral pasta, rotini, fusilli, penne, bowties, or small shells work best because they hold the dressing well.
What can I serve with German sausage pasta salad?
Serve it with grilled sausages, schnitzel, German potato salad, cucumber salad, pretzels, rye bread, pickles, sauerkraut, or a German BBQ spread.
