Savory, salty, and slightly sweet, this flavorful Italian Sausage Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering. The dish is easy to make and can be customized to your liking, making it a perfect choice for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues.
If you love Sweet Italian Sausage, you might also like this Creamy & Delicious Sausage Feta Pasta, Italian Sausage Foil Packets, or this Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash.

If you’re looking for a hearty salad that eats like a meal, this creamy pasta salad (made with air-fried Italian Sausage) is loaded with yummy flavor! I consider this to currently be considered a frugal summer meal because sausage can typically be purchased for well under $5 along with many of the ingredients–some you might even have in your pantry or refrigerator.
The best part is you can grill or air fry your Italian sausage to prepare it for this salad. I really thought the yellow hot peppers and the sausage went together so well with the creamy sauce and cheese!
Want to make this sausage pasta salad for your family? Check out what you’ll need to recreate this!
Italian Sausage Pasta Salad Ingredients
Italian Sausage – We used Premio Sweet Italian Sausage which is a delicious and premium brand, but you can use your favorite brand.
Pasta – I love how rotini looks and holds onto the creamy dressing in this salad. However, you can use any type you prefer.
Cheese – Cheese makes everything better! I love how the white cheddar has a nice twang, but you can use any kind of cheese like mozzarella.
Vegetables – Red onion, tomato, Kalamata olives, and pepperoncini balance out the savory flavor of the sausage and add a bit of crunch to the salad.
Spices – Salt, and freshly ground black pepper were ample for this salad since the sausage lends a ton of flavor. However, an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning would add an extra pop of deliciousness.
Dressing – The mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sour cream, and olive oil dressing helps to bind all the flavors together and create a cohesive dish. The mayonnaise adds a creamy richness to the salad, while the olive oil adds a bit of acidity and lightness.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
Grilling Instructions for Italian Sausage:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Cut the sausage into small coins.
- Place the sweet Italian sausage links on a grill pan.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the sausage rest for a few minutes before adding to salad.
Air Frying Instructions for Italian Sausage:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the Italian sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the sausage rest for a few minutes before slicing and adding to the pasta salad.
Pasta Salad Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, air fry the Italian sausage.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, red onion, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Storing Italian Sausage Pasta Salad
Italian Sausage Pasta Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, remove the salad from the refrigerator and stir to moisten the salad and distribute the flavor.
- Use an airtight container to store the salad. This will help to prevent the salad from drying out or becoming contaminated.
- Do not store the salad for more than 3 days. After 3 days, the salad may start to become watery or lose its flavor.
Summer Pasta Salad Recipes to Try Today
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Crab Pasta Salad
- Strawberry Fields Pasta Salad
- Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
Italian Sausage Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Air fryer or grill
- Grill pan *if grilling
- Refrigerator
- Mixing Bowls
- cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Salad
- 16 ounces Premio Italian Sausage
- 16 ounces Rotini
- 4 ounces cheddar cubes
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup pepperoncini
- 1 small red onion diced
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
Grilling Italian Sausage
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Cut the sausage into small coins.
- Place the sweet Italian sausage links on a grill pan.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the sausage rest for a few minutes before adding to salad.
Air Fried Italian Sausage
- Preheat your air fryer to 360℉.
- Place the Italian sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the sausage rest for a few minutes before slicing and adding to the pasta salad.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk until creamy and combined; set aside.
Salad
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, air fry the Italian sausage.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, red onion, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. serving.
- Toss to coat.
- Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Great idea! We loved how this turned out. Never thought to use sausage in pasta salad before and I’m so glad I found this recipe. Thank you!
OKAY! This pasta salad came thru with incredible taste! Wow! We used spicy sausage, and our whole family devoured it. Making it again for Father’s day!
I made this instead of my normal pasta salad and it was a hit at my neighborhood bbq.
Love this Ground Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce With Peppers, easy to make and looks delicious. Thanks for sharing :)
Oh this pasta looks se refreshing and packed with flavors of summer! I need to make it for a lunch that I am hosting day after tomorrow!