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Grandma's Classic Pasta Salad
This creamy pasta salad instantly evokes memories of summer family gatherings in the garden. The perfect balance of al dente cooked pasta, savory bologna sausage, and crunchy vegetables, all united in a velvety mayo dressing, makes it a timeless classic.
When I first recreated this salad using Grandma's recipe, I was surprised how easy it is to prepare this classic. The aroma reminds me of her kitchen every time.
Essential Ingredients and Their Selection
- Pasta: Short varieties like spirals - they absorb the dressing better
- Bologna sausage: High quality and not cut too finely
- Pickles: Crisp ones for the extra kick
- Mayonnaise: Homemade or good quality from a jar
Detailed Step by Step Preparation
- Cook pasta
- Bring plenty of salted water to a boil
- Cook pasta one minute less than indicated
- Rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking
- Prepare vegetables
- Even dice for nice appearance
- Let pickles drain well
- Rinse corn thoroughly
In my family, this pasta salad has been a must at every barbecue for generations. The secret lies in the balanced seasoning and the perfect consistency.
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The Perfect Mayo Base
The key to success lies in the dressing:
- First stir mayonnaise pure
- Add pickle water gradually
- Carefully balance seasonings
Over the years, I have learned that the quality of the mayonnaise is crucial for the taste.
Variations of the Classic
Over time, I have developed different versions:
- With yogurt for a lighter version
- With additional apples for freshness
- With roasted sunflower seeds for crunch
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled meat or fish
- Meatballs and schnitzel
- As a main dish with hard-boiled eggs
This pasta salad is more than just a recipe to me - it's a piece of family tradition. It reminds me of countless joyful summer festivals and family celebrations.
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Storage
- Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Taste again before serving
- Add some mayo if needed
A dish that shows that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does the pasta salad keep?
- Well sealed in the refrigerator, it keeps for up to 2 days. It tastes best the day after preparation.
- → Can I use light mayonnaise?
- Yes, that's possible. The salad will be a bit lighter but also less creamy than with regular mayonnaise.
- → Which pasta works best?
- Short pasta shapes like spirals, fusilli or penne are ideal as they absorb the dressing well.
- → Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
- Yes, the salad actually tastes better after it has had a few hours to marinate. Ideal for parties or buffets.
- → What can I substitute for the bologna?
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bologna or replace it with cheese cubes.