Pasta Salad with Sliced Franks
Pasta Salad with Sliced Franks is a casual, chilled dish combining cooked pasta with sliced hot dogs or sausages, often tossed with a simple dressing like mayonnaise or vinaigrette and mixed with crunchy vegetables such as celery, onions, or bell peppers. It is a popular picnic and potluck staple in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and South, where it's valued for its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the pasta and moderate in fat from the franks and dressing, with protein primarily coming from the meat. A standard serving (about 1 cup) generally provides around 300-400 calories, along with some iron and B vitamins from the franks, though it can be high in sodium.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 IU |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it reflects American comfort food's emphasis on convenience and adaptability, often customized with regional touches like sweet pickle relish or mustard-based dressings. Nutritionally, it's a classic example of a 'complete meal' in one bowl, balancing energy-dense carbs with protein, though it's more of an occasional treat than a health-focused dish.
