Easy Reuben Pasta Salad with Rye Croutons

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This Easy Reuben Pasta Salad with Rye Croutons has all the classic sandwich flavors you love— in pasta salad form. With tender bow tie pasta, deli-style corned beef, crunchy slaw, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, it’s a fun and flavorful twist that’s perfect for cookouts, parties, or quick lunches.

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Why You’ll Love this Reuben Pasta Salad:

Bold flavors: Classic Reuben ingredients turned into a fun, savory pasta salad.
Easy to make: Just quick bake the croutons, boil pasta, and toss everything together. No complicated steps or cooking skills required.
Great for gatherings: A crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or BBQs.

Reuben Pasta Salad Ingredients:

Bow-tie pasta: A fun and sturdy pasta shape that holds up well to dressing and mix-ins. But if you can’t find bow-tie pasta, any sturdy short-cut pasta will do (such as rotini or penne).
Cabbage slaw mix: Adds crunch, color, and a nod to traditional Reuben sauerkraut. If you prefer a stronger flavor, traditional sauerkraut can be used.
Swiss cheese: Mild, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with corned beef and dressing.
Deli-style corned beef: Savory, salty bites of classic Reuben sandwich meat. Slice into bite sized pieces or rip for a more rustic feel.
Dill relish: Adds a tangy, briny pop to balance out the creamy dressing.
Thousand Island dressing: Sweet, tangy, and creamy, just like the sauce on a Reuben sandwich.
Rye bread: Traditional Reuben flavor in crispy, golden crouton form.

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free: Swap the bow tie pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety (for this recipe I used Jovial’s 100% Organic Gluten Free Brown Rice Farfalle) , and use gluten-free rye-style bread or omit the croutons altogether. Many stores now carry gluten-free deli rye, but if you are unable to find it you can use gluten-free whole grain bread mixed with caraway seeds for that classic rye flavor!
Dairy-Free: Replace the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative—look for one that shreds well and has a mild, nutty flavor. Make sure your Thousand Island dressing is also dairy-free (or make your own with dairy-free mayo, relish, and ketchup).
Egg-Free: Double-check your Thousand Island dressing ingredients and opt for an egg-free version (vegan options often work well here).
Vegetarian: Simply leave out the corned beef or replace it with roasted chickpeas, vegan bacon, or a smoky vegetarian deli slice for that savory element.

How to Make Reuben Pasta Salad:

Boil the Pasta:
- Cook bow tie pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Make the Rye Croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toss torn rye bread pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
Mix the Salad Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cabbage slaw mix, chopped corned beef, grated Swiss cheese, dill relish, and Thousand Island dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Add Seasoning:
- Taste and season with black pepper as desired. You can add a little more dressing or relish depending on your flavor preference.
Top & Serve:
- Right before serving, sprinkle rye croutons over the top for crunch. (Keep them separate until serving to avoid sogginess.)

Tips for Making the Best Reuben Pasta Salad:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook your bow tie pasta al dente. This will keep the texture nice and firm in the pasta salad!
Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to add more or less Thousand Island dressing depending on your preference for creaminess. Also, you can add a little extra dill relish if you love a tangier bite!

Make Ahead & Storage:

Make Ahead: This Reuben Pasta Salad is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare it up to 1 day in advance. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an even tastier meal (or quick lunch!) the next day. Just keep the croutons separate until your ready to eat to prevent them from getting soggy.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the rye croutons separate if you prefer them crunchy, and add them just before serving.
Freezing: While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the pasta salad without the croutons for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the cabbage and pasta may change after freezing and thawing.

Reuben Pasta Salad FAQ’s:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the bow tie pasta for any other pasta shape you prefer, like rotini or penne.

Can I make this Reuben Pasta Salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and rye bread to make it gluten-free. Also ensure dressing is labeled gluten-free (especially if making for those with Celiac)

How do I keep the croutons crispy?

To keep the rye croutons crispy, store them separately from the dressed salad in an airtight container at room temperature. Add them to the salad just before serving.

Can I substitute the corned beef?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use turkey pastrami or even grilled chicken for a leaner version.

How far in advance can I prepare this?

This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead. Just store the salad and croutons separately, and add the croutons right before serving to keep them crunchy.

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Tried This Reuben Pasta Salad 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 creamy, flavorful dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.