If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta salad that’s bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place. This Italian Sausage Penne Salad brings together tender pasta, savory sausage, crisp vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing in one irresistible bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that works equally well for a backyard barbecue, meal prep lunch, or an easy weeknight dinner.

What makes this one so special? It’s all about balance: rich and meaty sausage, cool crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and just enough mozzarella to tie everything together. Whether you go sweet or spicy with the sausage, this dish has something for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

First off, it’s incredibly simple. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just fresh produce, good sausage, and your favorite pasta.

Second, it’s versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to match what’s in your fridge or suit your family’s preferences. Want to go meatless? Swap in a plant-based sausage. Need a dairy-free version? Leave out the cheese and bulk it up with extra veggies.

And finally, it’s perfect for sharing. This is the dish everyone asks about at the potluck. It travels well, holds up beautifully in the fridge, and gets better as the flavors meld.

Suitable For

This pasta salad fits into just about any occasion. It’s a great choice for:

• Backyard cookouts or picnics

• Weekly meal prep – it keeps for days

• Family dinners when you need something easy but satisfying

• Gluten-free diets (just use gluten-free pasta)

• Make-ahead lunches that you’ll actually look forward to

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Penne Salad

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

• Penne pasta – The perfect shape for holding all that dressing and flavor.

• Italian sausage – Sweet or spicy, your choice. Removed from casings and cooked until browned.

• Cherry tomatoes – Halved for bursts of juicy freshness.

• Red bell pepper – Diced for crunch and sweetness.

• Cucumber – Adds a cool, crisp bite.

• Red onion – Thinly sliced for a pop of sharpness.

• Black olives – Sliced and salty; they balance the richness.

• Fresh basil – Don’t skip this; it adds a bright, herby lift.

• Mozzarella cheese – Shredded or cubed, it adds that creamy, melty goodness.

For the homemade dressing, you’ll whisk together:

• Olive oil

• Red wine vinegar

• Dijon mustard

• Garlic

• Dried oregano

• Salt and pepper

Substitutions and Tips

This recipe is very forgiving, and you’ve got options if you need them:

• Swap the sausage – Turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage both work wonderfully here.

• Cheese alternatives – Feta, goat cheese, or even small mozzarella pearls are great swaps.

• Extra veggies – Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts give a nice Mediterranean touch.

• No red wine vinegar? – Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch.

And if you’re prepping this ahead, keep the dressing separate until right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Best Italian Sausage for Italian Sausage Penne Salad

Italian sausage is the star here, so let’s make sure you’re using the good stuff.

If you like a little heat, go with spicy Italian sausage. For a more mellow, kid-friendly flavor, sweet Italian sausage is the way to go. Whichever you choose, look for sausage without fillers or added sugar.

When cooking the sausage, make sure to remove the casings and break it up in the pan so you get bite-sized, flavorful bits in every forkful. Don’t forget to drain the fat—it helps the final salad taste fresh, not greasy.

Looking to lighten it up? Turkey or chicken sausage is a great alternative. And if you’re serving vegetarian guests, there are excellent plant-based sausages out there now that cook and crumble just like the real thing.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

You don’t need anything fancy to make this salad, just a few basics:

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta.

• Skillet or sauté pan – To brown the sausage.

• Cutting board and chef’s knife – For all your chopping needs.

• Mixing bowls – You’ll want one large enough to toss everything together.

• Strainer – To drain and cool your pasta.

Nice-to-Have Tools

These extras can make prep easier or presentation prettier:

• Garlic press – Makes quick work of fresh garlic.

• Salad spinner – Great for drying herbs and cucumbers.

• Serving bowl or platter – A wide, shallow bowl shows off all those colorful ingredients beautifully.

How to Make Italian Sausage Penne Salad

Let’s get into the fun part—pulling this delicious salad together! Don’t worry, you won’t need a culinary degree. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a vibrant, satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself—we don’t judge).

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start with a big pot of well-salted boiling water—think ocean-level salty. Add your penne and cook until al dente. You want it tender but still with a little bite. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy in the salad, and no one wants that.

Once it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly, which is important since you’re making a cold salad. Set it aside while you get everything else ready.

Tip: A splash of olive oil while it’s cooling can keep it from sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While your pasta is cooking, grab your skillet and cook the Italian sausage over medium heat. Make sure you’ve removed the casings first, then break it up with a spoon as it browns. You’re aiming for crispy little bits with lots of flavor.

Once the sausage is cooked through and nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. Let it cool a bit—you don’t want it melting the cheese or wilting the veggies in the next step.

Step 3: Prep Your Veggies and Cheese

This is where the salad really comes to life with color and texture.

• Halve the cherry tomatoes

• Dice the red bell pepper and cucumber

• Thinly slice the red onion

• Slice the black olives

• Chop the fresh basil

• Shred or cube the mozzarella cheese

If you’re making this ahead, keep the basil and cheese aside until just before serving for the freshest results.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Now, let’s whip up that flavorful vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Whisk until the dressing emulsifies—it should look smooth and slightly thickened. Taste it and adjust if needed. Want it tangier? Add a touch more vinegar. Need more punch? A bit of extra mustard will do the trick.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Time to bring it all home.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, browned sausage, all those vibrant veggies, the fresh basil, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat every bite evenly.

Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld together and takes the salad from good to great.

Pro tip: Right before serving, give it a quick toss and a final taste—sometimes it needs just a pinch more salt or a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the chill time. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the salad sit in the fridge deepens the flavors and makes it even better.

• Use fresh herbs. Dried basil won’t give you that same fresh, summery lift.

• Watch your pasta. Al dente is your friend here. Too soft, and it’ll fall apart when tossed.

• Balance the flavors. If it tastes flat, a splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon can brighten everything up.

How to Store Italian Sausage Penne Salad

At Room Temperature

This salad is fine at room temperature for a couple of hours, especially if you’re serving it at a picnic or party. Just don’t leave it out all day, especially in hot weather.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days. In fact, many people say it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to mingle.

Freezing Tips

Freezing isn’t recommended for this one—the textures just don’t hold up. If you need to prep ahead, cook and freeze the sausage separately, then combine everything fresh when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. For the best texture, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving.

What pasta shapes can I use instead of penne?

Rotini, farfalle, and fusilli are all great alternatives. Look for shapes that hold dressing and mix-ins well.

Should I serve it warm or cold?

Cold is best for this one. That’s when the flavors shine and the textures stay crisp and fresh.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Just swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based version or even add chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this Italian Sausage Penne Salad, you might enjoy these other savory dishes:

• Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne – A rich and comforting pasta dish.

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

• Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – Hearty and satisfying, perfect for pasta lovers.

• Avocado Corn Pasta Salad – A lighter pasta salad alternative with a fresh twist.

• My Most Requested Pasta Salad – Great for holidays and gatherings.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage Penne Salad is the kind of recipe that feels like summer in a bowl—hearty, fresh, colorful, and totally satisfying. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, impressive enough for a party, and flexible enough to make it your own.

So go ahead, give it a try. And when you do, come back and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear what twists you added, or who you shared it with. This is more than just a recipe—it’s the start of a new go-to favorite.

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