Reuben Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad recipe is a twist on everyone’s favorite sandwich, the Reuben! Reuben Pasta Salad is made simply from scratch using the best recipe for homemade Thousand Island Dressing, deli corned beef, cubed Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. Your cookouts, potlucks, and meals have never tasted this good! 

If you have followed me for a while, you know I am a huge fan of Reuben Sandwiches and have become an expert at “reubenizing” just about any recipe. But can you believe I have never shared a Reuben Pasta Salad recipe with you until now? Friends, I feel like I owe you an apology, because one bite of this tasty salad and you will be thinking, “Where has this been all of my life?!” 

​Reuben Pasta Salad

I can’t believe that Memorial weekend is just over a week away. This year is flying by, isn’t it? If you are like us, Memorial weekend means gathering with family and friends, and there is always something tasty coming off the grill. The grilling typically isn’t my area, I leave that to my hubs and our boys. I take to planning all of the sides and the desserts that will accompany the burgers, hot dogs, brats, or whatever else is coming off the grill that day.  I love raw vegetable salads and baked beans, but there is just something so welcoming about a bowl of delicious creamy pasta salad, isn’t there? 

This recipe is sponsored by Frank’s Kraut, but my lifelong love of their delicious sauerkraut and my opinions here are all my own. 

Easy Reuben Pasta Salad 

When I was trying to decide what to make for my Frank’s Kraut kick-off to grilling season, my mind was spinning with ideas. Do I use it in the main course? The side dish? Or dessert? (yes! I have a few sauerkraut desserts – if you haven’t tried my Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake, you are seriously missing out!) The last recipe I made for them was a main dish, these Bratwurst Sliders were an instant hit, so this time I decided it was time for a side dish. And what’s better than noodles and classic Reuben ingredients combined into one epic salad?!

If you love this Reubenized recipe, I bet you’ll love my Reuben Pizza and these Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes too!

Frank’s Kraut

When summer rolls around, my fridge is always stocked with Frank’s Kraut. Whether we’re firing up the grill for a backyard cookout or packing up for a family picnic, sauerkraut is a must-have at the table. It’s that perfect, tangy bite that makes hot dogs, brats, and even sandwiches so much better.

Frank’s Kraut has been part of my life for as long as I can remember—woven into family recipes passed down from my Polish and German roots. What started as a staple on our holiday table has become a year-round favorite. And now, after ten years of working with Frank’s Kraut, I still find new ways to share my love of sauerkraut with all of you. It’s been a decade of recipes, traditions, and stories—one jar at a time.

Frank’s Kraut Varieties

Frank’s original kraut is hands-down the best sauerkraut—it’s the one I grew up with and still reach for today. But Frank’s Kraut isn’t just classic—it’s creative. Their Mustard Kraut adds a zippy twist that would be right at home in this Reuben Pasta Salad, the Smoky BBQ Kraut is perfect for anything off the grill, and the Sweet Bavarian Kraut brings a mellow, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with sausages or pork. From bold and tangy to sweet and smoky, Frank’s offers a variety of flavors that make it easy to mix things up. No matter the dish or the season, there’s a kraut for that.

Ingredients in my Reuben Pasta Salad Recipe

For complete ingredients and instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card. 

• Homemade Thousand Island Dressing Ingredients  – here is what you need: mayo, chili sauce, ketchup, minced onion, salt and pepper, garlic, and a hard-boiled egg finely chopped. 

To Make the Salad:

• Pasta – I used shells because I love those little pockets that hold all of the yumminess inside. Elbow, bow tie, rotini, and penne are also good choices.
• Sauerkraut – Of course, we only use Frank’s Kraut in our house. It’s been my family’s go-to for decades! Be sure to drain it.
• Corned Beef – A great use for leftover corned beef, or ask the deli to cut the slices a bit on the thicker side, then cut into squares. 
• Swiss Cheese – I used thick slices cut into squares. Shredded also works great.
• Caraway seeds – optional, but they give the salad that bit of nutty flavor that you would get from the rye bread in the classic Reuben Sandwich. 
• Fresh Parsley – optional, I like the color and the freshness it adds. 

How to Make Reuben Pasta Salad with Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

This Reuben macaroni salad comes together in very little time at all.

Begin by making your Homemade Thousand Island Dressing.  Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use. I like to make it in the morning, so the flavors have time to mingle.

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Don’t overcook your pasta or the salad will be mushy. Rinse in cold water and place in the salad bowl. 

Top with cubed corned beef, Frank’s Kraut, and Swiss cheese. Add in your dressing, stirring to combine. Add in about half, then continue adding in until you achieve the amount you want. You may have a bit leftover, just store it in the fridge in an air-tight container for up 3 days.

Sprinkle with caraway seeds and fresh parsley if desired. Mix in. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat. 

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad. 

Love it? Pin it!

If you love this creamy Reuben Pasta Salad Recipe, make sure that you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some fun ways to customize this sauerkraut pasta salad recipe:

• Pastrami would work too if you prefer it, or use turkey if you love the taste of a Rachel.
• Some love Russian dressing on a Reuben; if that is you, switch it up. 
• Add dill pickles to the salad for a little extra tang. 
• I have a recipe for Homemade Rye Croutons that would make a fun addition to this salad.
• Make sure to add a little bit of dressing at a time to get just the amount you want. 
• Be sure to cook your pasta noodles al dente – don’t overcook them or you’ll have mushy pasta salad.

More Recipes to Love

Pasta salads are such wonderful additions to any gathering, and I have some of the best pasta salad recipes around! Take a peek at this Italian Pasta Salad, my Mom’s Macaroni Salad, and this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. 

If you love the flavors of a classic Reuben Sandwich, be sure to check out my Traditional Reuben Sandwich recipe! My Turkey Reuben Burger is a family favorite, as are my Crockpot Reuben Dip and this Cream of Reuben Soup!  My website is brimming with recipes and ways to use sauerkraut, like these Smoked Hot Dogs and Kraut, Swiss Cheese Kraut Burgers, and this Polish comfort classic: Kluski Kapusta Kiszona (Polish Noodles and Sauerkraut) You can find all of my sauerkraut recipes in one place here on my website and be sure to follow my Sauerkraut board on Pinterest! 

Still hungry? Find oodles more sauerkraut recipes at FranksKraut.com and follow along with them on their socials to see even more yummy goodness:  Facebook, Instagram, YouTube,  Pinterest and Twitter.

I could make a meal out of this hearty salad, couldn’t you? I hope that you and your loved ones enjoy this Reuben Salad recipe this summer and beyond. As always, I love to hear what you think, Please let me know in the comments!