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Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

A flavorful and filling pasta salad combining smoky sausage, roasted vegetables, and tender pasta tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Great for meal prep, picnics, or as a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
  • 8 oz (225 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing)
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss bell peppers, zucchini, and onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sliced sausage until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  6. In a large bowl, combine pasta, roasted vegetables, sausage, and parsley. Drizzle with dressing and toss until evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve warm or chilled.

Notes

  • Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Swap sausage with grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or chickpeas for a different variation.
  • Tastes best when allowed to rest for 30 minutes before serving so flavors meld together.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage pasta salad, roasted vegetable pasta, Mediterranean pasta salad, picnic pasta salad