Description
This Sausage, Apple & Cheddar Pasta Salad combines smoky sausage, crisp apples, sharp cheddar, and tender pasta in a creamy honey-mustard dressing. A savory-sweet twist on a classic that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or hearty lunches!
Ingredients
8 oz short pasta (such as rotini or penne)
8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into half-moons
1 tbsp olive oil
1 crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp), diced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté sausage slices for 3–4 minutes until browned and slightly crisp. Remove and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, apple, cheddar cheese, red onion, celery, and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayo to reduce calories.
Add dried cranberries or toasted pecans for extra flavor and crunch.
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 17
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: sausage apple cheddar pasta salad, fall pasta salad, savory sweet salad, hearty lunch recipe