This authentic German pasta salad (Nudelsalat) combines tender pasta, cubed Fleischwurst (German pork sausage), crispy pickles, tasty vegetables, and a creamy and flavorful dressing made of mayonnaise and yogurt. It's a classic dish in Germany that is a staple for barbecues as it goes super well with Bratwürstchen or Frikadellen.
German pasta and potato salads are a go-to of mine during spring and summer as they taste light, refreshing, and simply delicious! They also pair really well with various dishes such as German Frikadellen, air fryer chicken wings, or air fryer chicken breast.
And since I've already posted my favorite German potato salad and German-style dill pickle potato salad, I figured that it's time to introduce this classic German pasta salad that I love to make for barbecues, picnics, or simple dinners at home.
It's a creamy pasta salad that uses the most delicious combination of add-ins: cubed German Fleischwurst (German pork sausage), pickles, peas, corn, and red bell pepper. So if you're looking for another pasta salad that you can try, be sure to add this German pasta salad to your list!
German Pasta Salad Ingredients
To make this German pasta salad you'll need the following ingredients:
- Pasta: Most types of short pasta work for this recipe, though most people like to use fusilli or elbows. They have the perfect shape to ensure that each noodle is perfectly covered in salad dressing!
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is one of the ingredients that you'll need for the salad dressing. I usually pick regular full-fat mayonnaise but a lighter version works, too.
- Greek yogurt: You'll also need Greek yogurt or plain yogurt for the salad dressing. Just make sure that it still has enough fat so that it is creamy, I like to use 2%-fat Greek yogurt for most of my recipes.
- Mustard: You can use either German or Dijon mustard for this German pasta salad recipe. I always use Dijon mustard as I find it easier to reuse it. Plus, you may not be able to find German mustard in the US.
- White wine vinegar: The salad dressing also uses some white wine vinegar for acidity and balance.
- Fleischwurst: German Fleischwurst is a classic ingredient in German pasta salad. If you have access to a German butcher (or a grocery store that sells it), I recommend picking it up for this salad. If you don't, totally feel free to use a replacement like pre-cooked ham or Wieners (turkey and vegan versions work too).
- Corn: Corn is another classic ingredient in German pasta salad. I recommend using frozen corn for the best quality. Alternatively, use canned corn that is drained and rinsed.
- Peas: You'll also need frozen peas that you thaw before using them.
- Pickles: For pickles, you'll need the type of pickle that is packed in vinegar with herbs like dill. Just make sure that you don't use salty pickles if you want to keep this recipe authentic.
- Bell pepper: Red bell pepper is another ingredient that is often used in German pasta salad and is a must in my opinion!
- Fresh herbs (optional): To garnish the final pasta salad, you can use fresh herbs like parsley and chives.
How to make German pasta salad
Cook the pasta. First, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Then drain and set aside. Let the pasta cool for a few minutes before using it.
Prepare the salad dressing. While the pasta cooks, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together the mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Combine. Now add the pasta, Fleischwurst, pickles, red bell pepper, peas, and corn to the bowl. Toss until combined.
Serve. Garnish the pasta salad with parsley or chives (optional) and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
- Make sure that the Greek yogurt isn't too thick or too thin. It should be light yet creamy and delicious. I always use 2% Greek yogurt, but you can use Greek yogurt with more fat if you prefer it.
- Don't worry if you can't find German Fleischwurst. It definitely has a unique taste and texture, but if you can't find it at a butcher or grocery store feel free to replace it! You could use pre-cooked ham or wieners to make this salad.
- Season the finished salad to taste. Make sure to check the seasoning and use more salt, pepper, vinegar, or mustard to taste.
How to serve German pasta salad
- Serve it with some type of meat or fish to turn it into a full meal. The best way to enjoy German pasta salad is with either Frikadellen or Bratwurst. It's just a super delicious and very typical combination. But feel free to prepare any other type of protein that you like. Other favorites of mine are chicken patties, air fryer chicken breast, or air fryer chicken wings. You could also prepare salmon or another type of fish.
- Prepare more vegetable sides of your choice. This German pasta salad already has plenty of vegetables but you can definitely prepare more vegetable sides! You could make a delicious cucumber dill salad, air fryer asparagus, or even air fryer cauliflower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is authentic! It's the salad that I grew up with and that I still enjoy living in Germany. As with most recipes, every family will prepare it in a slightly different way. I like to keep the salad dressing lighter by using a combination of Greek yogurt and mayo instead of only mayo.
German pasta salad is super creamy, light, and delicious. The combination of German Fleischwurst (or pre-cooked ham), crispy pickles, and vegetables like peas makes it super tasty and adds plenty of texture. The salad dressing perfectly complements these ingredients and turns it into one of the best pasta salads ever! So if you love creamy pasta salads, definitely give this one a try!
I've seen that it's sold at German online shops and German butchers. You could check any large grocery store, they may sell it. When you use German Fleischwurst, be sure to take off the wrapper before starting to cube it. If you can't find it, feel free to replace it with pre-cooked ham or wieners.
Usually, German pasta salad uses this specific combination of vegetables and ingredients. But if there is an ingredient that you don't like, definitely feel free to replace it!
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. German pasta salad tastes great when it's cold or at room temperature.
More simple and delicious German recipes
German cuisine is one of my favorites and definitely holds a special place in my heart. Here are some of the recipes that I recommend trying if you are interested in preparing German food at home.
- German Potato Pancakes
- White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
- German Potato Salad
- German Apple Carrot Salad
- German Frikadellen
German Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli
- ½ cup mayo
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (at least 2% fat) or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cubed German Fleischwurst or pre-cooked ham, can be pork or turkey
- ¾ cup frozen peas thawed
- ¾ frozen corn thawed
- ¾ cup cubed pickles
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- parsley or chives (optional) for garnish
Instructions
- First, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Then drain and set aside. Let the pasta cool for a few minutes.8 ounces fusilli
- In the meantime, add the mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Stir until combined.½ cup mayo, ½ cup Greek yogurt (at least 2% fat), 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar, salt and pepper
- Next, add the remaining salad ingredients and pasta to the same bowl. Toss until combined. Season the pasta salad with more salt and pepper if needed.1 cup cubed German Fleischwurst, ¾ cup frozen peas, ¾ frozen corn, 1 small red bell pepper, ¾ cup cubed pickles
- Garnish the German pasta salad with parsley or chives (optional) and serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator to enjoy later!parsley or chives (optional)
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