Deli Pasta Salad with Corned Beef, Swiss & Rye Croutons

This Deli Pasta Salad with Corned Beef, Swiss & Rye Croutons turns your favorite deli flavors into a refreshing, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. Tender bow tie pasta, shredded cabbage slaw, Swiss cheese, and corned beef all tossed with creamy Thousand Island dressing and topped with crispy rye croutons.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love this Deli Pasta Salad:
• Key Ingredients:
• How to Make Deli Pasta Salad with Rye Croutons:
• Tips for Success:
• What to Serve with Deli Pasta Salad:
• FAQ's:
• More Pasta Salad Recipes You Will Love:
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why You'll Love this Deli Pasta Salad:

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple prep and minimal cooking.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead – Ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or chilled lunches.
• Can Be Made Gluten-Free – Just swap the pasta and bread for gluten-free versions!

Key Ingredients:

• Bow Tie Pasta – Also known as farfalle, this shape holds dressing beautifully and keeps the salad light yet hearty.
• Deli-Style Corned Beef or Pastrami – Classic cold cut salad vibes with salty, savory deli flavor. Use freshly sliced or chopped from leftover brisket.
• Cabbage Slaw Mix – Adds crunch and freshness. A shortcut to that Reuben-style slaw flavor.
• Grated Swiss Cheese – Creamy and nutty, it pairs perfectly with corned beef for that iconic Reuben salad feel.
• Thousand Island Dressing – Creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet. It pulls the deli pasta salad together.
• Dill Relish – Just a touch adds briny brightness and balances out the richness.
• Homemade Rye Croutons – Crispy, golden, and totally worth the extra step.

Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:

• To Make Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bow tie or short pasta and swap the rye croutons with gluten-free bread cubes seasoned the same way. Some gluten-free seeded breads give a similar rye-style flavor, especially ones with caraway!
• To Make Dairy-Free: Skip the Swiss or use a dairy-free shredded cheese. Use a dairy-free Thousand Island dressing (such as Follow Your Heart).
• To Make Vegetarian: Swap the corned beef or pastrami for roasted chickpeas, plant-based chicken, plant-based bacon for that savory, deli-inspired flavor.

Recipe Variations:

• Angel Hair Pasta Salad: Swap the bow tie pasta for cooked and cooled angel hair. It gives the salad a lighter texture and works well if you prefer thinner noodles.
• Artichoke Olive Pasta Salad: Add sliced olives and chopped marinated artichoke hearts to the base recipe. These ingredients pair well with the creamy dressing and give the salad a briny zing.
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: Use chopped grilled chicken instead of corned beef, swap in Caesar dressing, and add some chopped romaine along with the slaw mix for a Caesar-style take.

How to Make Deli Pasta Salad with Rye Croutons:

1. Make the Croutons: Preheat your oven and tear rye bread into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and crispy, then set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Combine the Salad Base: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with cabbage slaw mix, grated Swiss cheese, chopped deli corned beef or pastrami, and a spoonful of dill relish.
4. Add the Dressing: Pour in Thousand Island dressing and toss everything until evenly coated. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
5. Assemble and Serve: Just before serving, fold in the crispy rye croutons. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better once mixed with dressing and stored. Overcooked pasta turns mushy fast.
• Cool everything before mixing: Hot pasta or croutons will melt the cheese and wilt the slaw. Let each component cool before combining.
• Toss dressing just before serving if prepping ahead: This keeps the salad from getting soggy, especially the cabbage and croutons.

Make Ahead & Storage:

• Make Ahead: You can cook the pasta, prep the salad ingredients, and bake the rye croutons up to 2 days in advance. Store everything separately in airtight containers and combine just before serving for the best texture.
• Leftovers: Once fully assembled, the salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The croutons will soften over time, but the flavors meld beautifully.
• Crouton Tip: If you want to keep the croutons crispy, store them in a separate container and add them just before eating.

What to Serve with Deli Pasta Salad:

This hearty pasta salad holds its own, but it’s even better alongside something hot off the stove or a crisp, fresh side. Serve it with:

• Easy Southern-Style Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich
• Old-Fashioned Tomato & Rice Soup
• Olive, Cheese, & Herb Salad
• Easy Air Fryer Asparagus

FAQ's:

More Pasta Salad Recipes You Will Love:

• Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Bacon & Cheddar
• Easy Vintage Tuna Pasta Salad
• Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
• Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing

Recipe

Tried This Deli Pasta Salad with Rye Croutons recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover this ultra-flavorful, easy dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.