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–+ servings

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.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Pasta, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 341
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 11gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 474mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

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