Classic Pasta Salad with Mayonnaise – Just Like Grandma Used to Make

Whether for a barbecue, the next family picnic, or as a hearty party favor: Grandma's Pasta Salad with Mayonnaise is a real perennial favorite. With sausage, crunchy peppers, peas, and a creamy cucumber-mayo dressing, it always tastes great – and it's a favorite. Like before, but timelessly good.

Ingredients for 6 servings

Main ingredients:

• 300g pasta (e.g., spiral pasta or horn pasta)

• 300g sausage (on the ring, without skin)

• 1 red bell pepper

• 200g pickled gherkins (from a jar)

• 150g peas (frozen, thawed)

For the creamy Mayo Dressing:

• 200g mayonnaise

• 2 tsp medium-hot mustard

• 3 tbsp pickle juice (from a pickle jar)

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation

1. Cook the pasta

Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain well.

2. Prepare the ingredients

While the pasta is cooking:

• Cut the sausage into bite-sized cubes.

• Wash the bell peppers, remove the seeds, and also dice them finely.

• Cut the gherkins into thin slices or small cubes.

• Thaw the frozen peas (e.g., under warm water).

3. Mix the dressing

Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. For an even creamier consistency, add a little more cucumber juice or a tablespoon of yogurt if desired.

4. Toss the Salad

Mix all ingredients – pasta, sausage, bell peppers, cucumbers, and peas – in a large bowl until well combined. Pour the dressing over the salad and fold in thoroughly.

5. Chill & Serve

Let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes – this allows the flavors to develop best. Taste again before serving and add more seasoning if necessary.

Nutritional values ​​per serving (approx.):

• Calories: 595kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 40g

Tip: How to make your pasta salad even better

• Pre-cooking is allowed: The salad tastes even better the next day – Perfect for preparation.

• Lighter version: Replace half of the mayo with yogurt or sour cream.

• Spicy extras: Finely chopped onions, fresh chives, or a little paprika powder give the salad an additional layer of flavor.