Southern Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad
Southern Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy twist on the classic Southern pimento cheese spread, combined with cooked pasta for a hearty side dish. It typically features elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and a blend of seasonings like paprika and garlic powder. This dish is a staple at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings across the American South.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This pasta salad is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the cheese and mayonnaise, with a moderate amount of protein from the dairy. A typical one-cup serving may contain around 300-400 calories, along with calcium from the cheese and small amounts of vitamins A and C from the pimentos.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.6 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Zinc | 2.0 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a beloved comfort food that showcases the South's love for rich, cheesy flavors and communal eating. Nutritionally, it's an energy-dense dish that can be customized with additions like celery, onions, or even bacon for extra texture and flavor.
