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A quintessential German pasta salad, Nudelsalat is a creamy and tangy delight perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. This authentic recipe combines tender pasta, savory Fleischwurst (or ham), crisp vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a zesty mayonnaise and pickle juice dressing. It's a comforting and beloved classic that tastes even better the next day.
For 8 servings
Cook Pasta and Peas
Prepare Eggs and Other Ingredients
Mix the Dressing
A quintessential German pasta salad, Nudelsalat is a creamy and tangy delight perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. This authentic recipe combines tender pasta, savory Fleischwurst (or ham), crisp vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a zesty mayonnaise and pickle juice dressing. It's a comforting and beloved classic that tastes even better the next day.
This german recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 633.04 calories per serving with 15.84g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
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Combine and Chill the Salad
For a lower-fat version, replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or German Quark. This will add a pleasant tanginess and reduce the calorie count.
Omit the Fleischwurst and add a 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or kidney beans for a protein-rich vegetarian alternative.
Incorporate other crisp vegetables like 1 cup of corn kernels, 2 diced celery stalks, or 1 shredded carrot for extra crunch, color, and nutrients.
Swap the sausage for 1.5 cups of diced cooked chicken, turkey, or small cooked shrimp for a different flavor profile.
The pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel. They are digested slowly, offering a steady release of energy to keep you going.
With significant amounts of protein from the eggs and Fleischwurst, this salad helps with muscle repair and maintenance, and contributes to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
The inclusion of vegetables like red bell peppers and onions adds valuable vitamins and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system.
A typical 1.25 cup serving of this Nudelsalat contains approximately 480-550 calories, primarily from the pasta and mayonnaise-based dressing.
Nudelsalat is generally considered a comfort food and is high in carbohydrates and fats. While it contains protein and some vitamins from the vegetables, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For a healthier version, see the 'Lighter Dressing' variation.
Absolutely! This salad is ideal for making ahead. The flavor actually improves after a few hours in the refrigerator. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Pasta is porous and naturally absorbs the dressing as it sits. To refresh the salad, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise, pickle juice, or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired creaminess.
Fleischwurst is a mild, parboiled German sausage with a texture similar to bologna or Lyoner sausage. If you can't find it, diced cooked ham, bologna, or mortadella are excellent substitutes.
Yes, any short pasta shape that can hold the dressing well is suitable. Good alternatives include elbow macaroni, rotini, ditalini, or small shells.
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