Jalapeño Pimento Pasta Salad

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This Jalapeño Pimento Pasta Salad recipe is creamy, cheesy and has the perfect kick to it. This easy, make-ahead friendly pasta salad with hot sauce, jalapeños and cheese is great to serve as a summer barbecue side dish or to bring to a potluck!

Bowl of pimento pasta salad on a grey background with a spoon in it ready for serving.

A pasta salad like this recipe for Jalapeño Pimento Pasta Salad is the best summer side dish. It’s so easy to make and it’s always a crowd pleaser. Also, there are so many different ways to make a good pasta salad, no wonder it is a warm weather classic. Classic Italian, Mediterranean, BLT, pesto, the list goes on!

However, this jalapeño pimento one might just be my new favorite. It would be great for 4th of July picnics, BBQ’s, pool parties… either way it belongs on your summer menu! I love it can be made ahead for guests, and of course leftovers are great for packed lunches!

This Jalapeño Pimento Pasta Salad has tons of great flavor. Pimento cheese is one of my favorite things I discovered living in Texas. I love it as a dip, but I am also always looking for ways to implement it into recipes. This pasta salad will be first of many – I love that it still manages to taste fresh as well as having rich, creamy, and tangy flavors.

What you will need for this recipe:

For the pasta, I used Banza gemelli because the mayo dressing clings really well to the little twists, but feel free to use whatever kind you’d like! You’ll also need jarred, diced pimentos (which you’ll find in most major grocery stores, or on Amazon), fresh jalapeño pepper (leave the seeds in for extra heat), shredded sharp cheddar (I like buying a block of sharp cheddar and shredding it myself at home as it is better value and helps keep the cheese fresh, mayo (your favorite brand will do), hot sauce (I use Frank’s Red Hot), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, and some fresh chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad recipe ahead?

Of course! I actually think it tastes better after some time in the fridge because the pasta will have absorbed more of the mayo dressing.

Can I use gluten free pasta?

Any short pasta shape of your choice will work here.

Is there anything I can substitute if I can’t get chives

Yes! The finely chopped green parts from a bunch of salad onions would make a good substitute.

Bowl of pimento pasta salad omn a grey background with a grey spoon and dark green napkin for serving.

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