Easy Kid-Friendly Recipe: Summer Sausage Pasta Salad

There are certain recipes that just stick — the ones you find yourself making over and over again because they’re easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. For me, that recipe is what we call Mimi’s Pasta Salad but of course, to the rest of the world it is just a Kid-Friendly Summer Sausage Pasta Salad!

This pasta salad has been a go-to in our family for years, and here’s why I love it so much:

✨ It’s EASY. Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and basically fool-proof.
✨ Guests rave about it. Anytime I take this to a BBQ, potluck, or family gathering, people ask me for the recipe.
✨ Kid-approved. My toddler will eat this as part of a meal or even snack on it by itself and if you have toddlers, you know that’s a big WIN.
✨ Packed with veggies. From peppers to tomatoes to olives, it’s colorful and fresh.
✨ Gets better with time. This pasta salad actually tastes better the next day after the dressing has had time to soak in and marinate.
✨ Fridge-friendly. It holds up well all week, making it a great option for meal prep.

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The Recipe: Mimi’s Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz) box Rotini (spiral) noodles
• 1 summer sausage (diced into small pieces)
• 1 can artichoke hearts (chopped)
• 1 green pepper (diced)
• 1 red or yellow pepper (diced)
• 1 small can sliced black olives
• 1 pack cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
• 1 bottle zesty Italian dressing
• 1 bag shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: peas or any extra veggies you love

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the box instructions. Drain and pour into a large serving bowl.
2. Add in all the vegetables, artichoke hearts, olives, summer sausage, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Squeeze about half the bottle of Italian dressing over the pasta and toss to combine.
4. Place in the fridge and let it chill so everything marinates together.
5. Once the pasta has cooled down, sprinkle in about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix. Add more or less based on your preference.
6. Before serving, add another drizzle of Italian dressing to freshen up the flavor.

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Tips & Serving Ideas

• I personally think this pasta salad tastes best the next day after it’s had plenty of time to soak up the dressing.
• It pairs perfectly with pork steaks, burgers, brats, or even steak — but honestly, I’ve eaten it as a main dish plenty of times.
• Don’t be afraid to add your own twist! Swap in mozzarella cubes, use different veggies, or even try a homemade dressing.

This recipe is proof that simple can be amazing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, packing lunches, or just trying to get your toddler to eat a few more veggies, this Easy Kid-Friendly Summer Sausage Pasta Salad Recipe delivers every single time.