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!
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 [3], Mediterranean [4], BLT [5], pesto [6], 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 [7] 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 [8]), 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
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.
Any short pasta shape of your choice will work here.
Yes! The finely chopped green parts from a bunch of salad onions would make a good substitute.
Other recipes you will love:
- Easy Pimento Mac and Cheese [9]
- Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing [10]
- Pasta Salad with Cheese Cubes and Italian Dressing [3]
- Harissa Pasta Salad with Olives and Feta [4]
- Tortellini Pasta Salad with Salami [11]
- Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls with Sriracha [12]
Why not save & pin for later?
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Jalapeño Pimento Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
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!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. gemelli pasta, cooked til al dente (see note)
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large jalapeño, seeds removed, finely chopped
- 12 oz. diced pimentos, drained
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
Instructions
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to wash off any excess starch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayo, hot sauce and Dijon.
- Add in the sharp cheddar cheese, jalapeño, pimentos, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper and chives. Mix until well combined.
- Add pasta the and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!
Notes
Any short pasta shape will work in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Cuisine: American
Find it online: https://dashofmandi.com/jalapeno-pimento-pasta-salad-2/ [18]