Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread for sandwiches and crackers, but it also makes an incredible pasta salad. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon and crunchy mix-ins, this crowd-pleasing side dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, tailgates, and summer gatherings.
By Pat Bernitt
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, or other short pasta
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, well drained
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled, divided
👨🍳 Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, typically about 7 to 8 minutes, or follow package directions. Drain pasta, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Drain thoroughly again.
- In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in Cheddar, pimentos, celery, onions, and cooked pasta until well combined. Fold in bacon, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.