Reuben Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Tangy, Creamy Side Dish for Any Occasion
Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite side dish: Reuben Pasta Salad! This incredibly easy recipe takes the beloved flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a creamy, satisfying pasta salad. Crafted from scratch with the finest ingredients, including a luscious homemade Thousand Island Dressing, savory deli corned beef, rich cubed Swiss cheese, and the unmistakable tang of sauerkraut, this salad is destined to be the star of your next cookout, potluck, or family meal. Get ready to impress with a dish that combines comfort food with refreshing versatility!
For those who’ve followed my culinary journey, you know my immense appreciation for the iconic Reuben sandwich. I’ve spent years perfecting the art of “reubenizing” almost every dish imaginable, from pizzas to baked potatoes. Yet, surprisingly, I’ve never shared my take on a Reuben Pasta Salad until now. Friends, I truly apologize for the delay, because just one bite of this extraordinary salad will have you wondering, “Where has this been all my life?!” It’s a revelation, blending familiar, comforting flavors into a fresh, exciting format perfect for any occasion.
Why Reuben Pasta Salad is a Must-Try
As Memorial Day approaches, bringing with it the unofficial start of summer, our thoughts turn to outdoor gatherings with family and friends. While my husband and boys usually take charge of the grilling – be it burgers, hot dogs, or brats – my domain is always the side dishes and desserts. While I adore fresh vegetable salads and classic baked beans, there’s an undeniable charm and universal appeal to a bowl of perfectly crafted, creamy pasta salad. It’s a quintessential summer side that brings comfort and flavor to any spread.
This delightful recipe is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. My love for their exceptional sauerkraut is genuine and extends back a lifetime, and all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Easy Reuben Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Summer Essential
When I was brainstorming ideas for my Frank’s Kraut collaboration to kick off grilling season, my mind buzzed with possibilities. Should I feature sauerkraut in a main course, a side dish, or even a dessert? (Yes, I have some fantastic sauerkraut desserts; if you haven’t tried my Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake, you’re truly missing out!) My last recipe for them was a main dish – those wildly popular Bratwurst Sliders. So this time, I decided it was the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable side. And what could be better than combining tender pasta noodles with all the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into one epic, creamy salad?
If you’re as enamored with “Reubenized” recipes as I am, you’ll definitely want to explore my Reuben Pizza and these satisfying Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes. These dishes embody the same bold, comforting flavors that make the Reuben sandwich a timeless classic, proving just how versatile its components can be.
The Essential Ingredient: Frank’s Kraut
When summer arrives, my refrigerator is consistently stocked with Frank’s Kraut. Whether we’re firing up the grill for a lively backyard cookout, embarking on a family picnic, or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, sauerkraut is a non-negotiable item at our table. Its perfectly tangy bite elevates hot dogs, enriches brats, and adds that special zest to any sandwich, making every meal more exciting.
Frank’s Kraut has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s deeply woven into the family recipes passed down through my Polish and German heritage. What began as a cherished staple on our holiday table has beautifully evolved into a year-round favorite. Now, after a decade of working closely with Frank’s Kraut, I continue to discover innovative and delicious ways to share my profound love for sauerkraut with all of you. It’s been a wonderful ten years filled with new recipes, upholding cherished traditions, and sharing countless stories—one jar of Frank’s Kraut at a time.
Discover Frank’s Kraut Varieties: Beyond the Classic
While Frank’s original kraut remains, hands down, the best sauerkraut—the one I grew up with and instinctively reach for today—Frank’s Kraut offers more than just the classic. Their range of varieties proves that sauerkraut can be incredibly creative and versatile. The **Mustard Kraut**, for instance, introduces a lively, zippy twist that would integrate seamlessly into this Reuben Pasta Salad, adding an extra layer of piquant flavor. For grilled dishes, the **Smoky BBQ Kraut** is an absolute game-changer, infusing a deep, smoky richness. And the **Sweet Bavarian Kraut** offers a mellow, slightly sweet profile that pairs exquisitely with sausages, pork, or even as a unique addition to salads.
From bold and tangy to subtly sweet and smoky, Frank’s diverse selection of flavors makes it effortlessly easy to customize your meals and experiment with new tastes. No matter the dish or the season, there’s truly a Frank’s Kraut variety perfectly suited to enhance it, bringing depth and character to every bite.
Key Ingredients for My Perfect Reuben Pasta Salad
Creating this irresistible Reuben Pasta Salad starts with a careful selection of quality ingredients. For the full, printable recipe card with precise measurements and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
For the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing: This dressing is the creamy heart of our Reuben Pasta Salad, bringing all the flavors together. Making it from scratch ensures a fresh, vibrant taste that simply can’t be matched by store-bought versions. You’ll need:
- Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base.
- Chili Sauce & Ketchup: Provide a balance of sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice.
- Minced Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatic elements for depth of flavor.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: To season perfectly.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a delightful tang and texture.
- Finely Chopped Hard-Boiled Egg: A classic Thousand Island ingredient that adds subtle richness and speckle.
To Assemble the Salad:
- Pasta: I personally love using shell pasta because its unique shape creates delightful little pockets that lovingly hold onto all that creamy dressing and delicious filling. However, feel free to choose your favorite medium-sized pasta shape such as elbow macaroni, bow tie (farfalle), rotini, or penne. They all work wonderfully!
- Sauerkraut: As you know, Frank’s Kraut is our family’s trusted choice, and has been for decades. Its consistent quality and perfect tang are unmatched. Remember to drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your salad.
- Corned Beef: This is a fantastic opportunity to use up leftover corned beef from a previous meal. Alternatively, ask your deli counter to slice the corned beef a bit thicker than usual, then cut it into uniform cubes for the salad.
- Swiss Cheese: I opt for thick slices of Swiss cheese, also cut into neat cubes, to ensure a good bite of its nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Shredded Swiss cheese is also a great option if you prefer a more even distribution throughout the salad.
- Caraway Seeds: This ingredient is optional, but highly recommended! Caraway seeds provide that distinctive nutty, slightly earthy flavor typically found in rye bread, which is a hallmark of a classic Reuben sandwich. It truly elevates the “Reuben” experience in this pasta salad.
- Fresh Parsley: Also optional, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a touch of fresh, herbaceous brightness that complements the rich flavors of the salad.
How to Make Reuben Pasta Salad with Homemade Thousand Island Dressing
This creamy Reuben macaroni salad is incredibly simple to prepare and comes together in very little time, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or meal prep.
Step 1: Prepare Your Homemade Thousand Island Dressing. Begin by crafting your flavorful Homemade Thousand Island Dressing. Simply combine all the dressing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk or stir until thoroughly combined and smooth. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate it. I highly recommend making the dressing in the morning or at least a few hours before you plan to assemble the salad. This allows the various flavors to meld beautifully and intensify, resulting in a more delicious and complex dressing.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta. In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, cook your chosen pasta shape until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. This is crucial for a great pasta salad; avoid overcooking the pasta, as it can become mushy and compromise the salad’s texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large salad bowl.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients. To the bowl with the cooked pasta, add the cubed corned beef, well-drained Frank’s Kraut, and cubed or shredded Swiss cheese. Next, pour in about half of your prepared Homemade Thousand Island Dressing. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated. Taste the salad, and if you desire more creaminess and flavor, continue adding more dressing, a little at a time, until you achieve your preferred consistency and taste. You might have a bit of dressing leftover, which is perfect for future use!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve. If you wish, sprinkle the salad with caraway seeds for that authentic rye bread flavor and some fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Mix these in gently. The Reuben Pasta Salad can be served immediately for a delightful meal, or for optimal flavor melding, refrigerate it for at least an hour or two before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and marry, resulting in an even more delicious salad.
Storage: Store any leftover Reuben Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the pasta and creamy dressing tend to change texture unpleasantly upon thawing.
Love It? Pin It!
If you’re already envisioning this creamy Reuben Pasta Salad as a staple in your recipe collection, don’t let it get lost! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes or you need an impressive dish for your next gathering!
Reuben Pasta Salad: Expert Tips and Creative Substitutions
Don’t hesitate to customize this sauerkraut pasta salad recipe to your liking! Here are some fantastic ways to get creative and ensure your Reuben Pasta Salad is absolutely perfect:
- Meat Alternatives: If corned beef isn’t your preference, pastrami makes an excellent substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. For those who enjoy the lighter taste of a Rachel sandwich, use cubed deli turkey instead.
- Dressing Preference: While Thousand Island is traditional, some Reuben lovers swear by Russian dressing. Feel free to switch it up if that’s your preferred tang and sweetness.
- Add More Tang: For an extra burst of briny flavor and satisfying crunch, finely dice some dill pickles and mix them into the salad.
- Crunch Factor: My recipe for Homemade Rye Croutons would be a spectacular addition to this salad. Add them just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Control the Creaminess: Always add the dressing gradually, starting with about half and then incorporating more until you achieve your desired level of creaminess. This prevents the salad from becoming overly dressed or soggy.
- Perfect Pasta Texture: The key to a great pasta salad is al dente pasta. Cook your noodles until they have a slight bite; overcooked pasta will lead to a mushy and unappealing texture.
- Extra Veggies for Crunch: For added texture and a hint of freshness, consider finely dicing some celery or red onion and mixing it into the salad.
- Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
More Irresistible Recipes You’ll Love
Pasta salads are truly exceptional additions to any gathering, and I’m proud to share some of the best pasta salad recipes you’ll find! Don’t miss out on my vibrant Italian Pasta Salad, my comforting Mom’s Macaroni Salad, and this bright and zesty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. Each offers a unique flavor profile perfect for any occasion.
If your heart truly beats for the distinctive flavors of a classic Reuben Sandwich, you absolutely must explore my Traditional Reuben Sandwich recipe to experience it in its purest form. My Turkey Reuben Burger is a beloved family favorite, offering a delicious twist, as are my incredibly popular Crockpot Reuben Dip and this comforting Cream of Reuben Soup! My website is a treasure trove of creative recipes and exciting ways to incorporate sauerkraut into your cooking. You’ll find unique dishes like these savory Smoked Hot Dogs and Kraut, hearty Swiss Cheese Kraut Burgers, and the authentic Polish comfort classic: Kluski Kapusta Kiszona (Polish Noodles and Sauerkraut). For easy access to all my sauerkraut-inspired creations, you can find all my sauerkraut recipes neatly organized here on my website. And for even more inspiration, be sure to follow my dedicated Sauerkraut board on Pinterest!
Still craving more delicious ways to use sauerkraut? Discover oodles of additional recipes and culinary inspiration at FranksKraut.com. And for daily doses of yummy goodness, make sure to follow Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Twitter. You won’t want to miss their latest recipes and tips!
I could easily make an entire meal out of this hearty and flavorful Reuben Pasta Salad, couldn’t you? Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a stand-alone delight. I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones get to savor and enjoy this incredible Reuben Salad recipe throughout the summer and well beyond. As always, I cherish hearing your thoughts and feedback. Please don’t hesitate to share what you think in the comments section below!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Reuben Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:
- 1/2 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 hard boiled egg finely chopped
- fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 1 16-ounce box of pasta noodles cooked al dente
- 1 cup Frank’s Kraut drained
- 6 ounces Swiss cheese cubed or shredded
- 1 1/2 cup corned beef cubed
- Caraway Seeds optional, for garnish
- Fresh Parsley optional, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:
-
Make the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing by mixing all of the ingredients (garlic, kosher salt, mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, dried minced onion, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped hard-boiled egg, and black pepper) in a medium bowl until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Making it in advance allows the flavors to truly mingle and deepen.
Make the Pasta Salad:
-
Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. It’s crucial not to overcook your pasta, or the salad will have a mushy texture. Drain the pasta, then rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large salad bowl.
-
Add the cubed corned beef, well-drained Frank’s Kraut, and Swiss cheese to the pasta in the bowl. Pour in about half of your prepared Thousand Island dressing. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Taste the salad, and if you prefer more dressing, continue to add it in small increments until you achieve your desired creaminess and flavor.
-
If desired, sprinkle with caraway seeds and freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal. Mix them in gently. Serve the Reuben Pasta Salad immediately, or for best results, refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
Store any leftover Reuben Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the pasta and creamy dressing tend to separate and become mushy upon thawing.