Creamy Pasta Salad with Sausages, Olives & Jalapeños

A delicious and satisfying pasta salad loaded with juicy tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, gherkins, and fried sausages, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, lunch boxes, or as a light meal on its own.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

400 grams pasta

Water for boiling

Salt as required

For the Salad

4 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped

2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped

Generous amount of olives, sliced

¼ cup jalapeños, chopped

4 gherkins, chopped

200 grams sausages, fried and sliced

Few basil leaves, roughly torn

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp pepper powder

Salt to taste

Parmesan cheese powder, as required

For the Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise (200 ml cup)

¼ cup tomato ketchup (50 ml cup)

1 tbsp mustard sauce

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp chilli flakes or paprika

Method

Prepare the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.

Drain and allow it to cool slightly.

Prepare the Dressing

In a large salad bowl, combine the mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, mustard sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chilli flakes or paprika.

Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Salad

Add the chopped gherkins, jalapeños, onions, and olives to the dressing. Mix well.

Add the dried oregano, chopped tomatoes, and fried sausage slices. Toss gently.

Add the cooked pasta and mix until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Season with pepper powder and salt to taste.

Add the Parmesan cheese powder and roughly torn basil leaves.

Give the salad one final mix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for even better flavour.

Variations

Substitute the sausages with leftover fried chicken, grilled chicken, or ham.

Add crispy fried bacon for extra flavour and crunch.

Include vegetables such as lightly blanched broccoli, grated carrots, sweet corn, or bell peppers for added colour and nutrition.

For a spicier version, increase the jalapeños or add extra chilli flakes.

A creamy, flavour-packed pasta salad that makes a wonderful family meal and is always a crowd-pleaser.