Reuben Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Reuben Pasta Salad is a flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, combining tender macaroni, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups dry macaroni noodles, cooked according to directions and drained
• 1 cup thick sliced deli corned beef, diced
• 1 cup cubed Swiss cheese
• 1 cup drained sauerkraut
• 1 cup dill pickles, diced
• ¾ cup thousand island dressing
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or stone ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon sauerkraut brine from the jar
• Salt and pepper, optional and to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse under cool water and drain thoroughly. Set aside to fully cool.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the thousand island dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sauerkraut brine until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced corned beef, Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, and diced dill pickles.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Before serving, stir the salad again and season with salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute corned beef with smoked tofu or omit completely and add extra cheese and pickles.
• Use fresh shredded cabbage instead of sauerkraut for a milder, crunchier texture.
• Adjust the dressing ingredients to your taste—add more mustard for extra tang or extra mayonnaise for creaminess.

Storage

Store the Reuben Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir. It can be served cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the dressing and ingredients may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie works well. Just make sure to cook and cool it properly before mixing.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

Drain the sauerkraut and pickles well before adding. Also, cool the pasta completely and toss gently with the dressing right before chilling to keep textures firm.

Reuben Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 82 reviews

Reuben Pasta Salad is a flavorful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining tender cooked macaroni with diced corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, dill pickles, and a creamy thousand island dressing. It’s a deliciously chilled salad perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing lunch.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups dry macaroni noodles, cooked according to directions and drained
• 1 cup thick sliced deli corned beef, diced
• 1 cup cubed Swiss cheese
• 1 cup drained sauerkraut
• 1 cup dill pickles, diced

Dressing

• ¾ cups thousand island dressing
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or stone ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon sauerkraut brine from the jar

Optional

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the dry macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Rinse the cooked pasta under cool water to stop the cooking process and drain well. Set aside to fully cool before using.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the thousand island dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sauerkraut brine until everything is well combined into a smooth, creamy dressing.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, toss the cooled pasta, diced corned beef, cubed Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, diced dill pickles, and the prepared dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and develop. Before serving, taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Stir gently and enjoy!

Notes

• Make sure pasta is completely cooled before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming oily.
• Use good quality deli corned beef and freshly cubed Swiss cheese for best flavor.
• The sauerkraut brine adds an authentic tangy flavor reminiscent of the classic Reuben sandwich.
• This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Feel free to adjust the mustard level or use spicy mustard for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Reuben Pasta Salad, macaroni salad, leftover corned beef recipe, deli style pasta salad, sandwich-inspired pasta salad