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Deutschländer Pasta Salad (Deutschländer Nudelsalat)

This German sausage pasta salad, or Deutschländer Nudelsalat, combines spiral pasta, sliced Deutschländer sausages, sweet corn, peas, Edam cheese, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and a creamy paprika dressing made with mayonnaise, crème fraîche, tomato sauce, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. It is a hearty summer salad for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, and easy family meals.
Servings 4
Prep Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

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.
Course: Entree, Salad