Palmetto Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad: Easy Summer Side

Author

CookinWithBabe

I started my food vlogging journey in 2024, when I decided it was time to share my love of cooking with folks near and far. I grew up learning the ins and outs of the kitchen from my grandparents and my mama — they taught me that a good meal can bring people together like nothing else. Now, I’m proud to carry on their passion and share those same comforting flavors with y’all.

A person drains cooked macaroni pasta using a vertical strainer inside a large speckled mixing bowl on a countertop.

There's something special about summer gatherings, and my Palmetto Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad is the perfect dish to bring to the table. This easy summer side is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser that disappears faster than a cold beer in July. Trust me, once you serve this up, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe, and you’ll be proud to share it.

More recipes from CookinWithBabe that you'll love

Why You'll Love This Recipe

First off, this macaroni salad combines two southern classics – the delectable creaminess of pimento cheese and the comforting texture of macaroni. It’s a breeze to whip up, taking just a few minutes to prepare. Plus, it's super versatile; you can enjoy it as a side dish at a barbecue or even as a light main meal on a hot day.

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it gets better with time. By letting it sit in the fridge, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s even more delicious the next day. And let’s not forget, it’s perfect for meal prep if you want to have something tasty ready to go throughout the week.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

For this macaroni salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch. We’re talking about 16 ounces of macaroni noodles, 11 ounces of palmetto pimento cheese, and half a cup of mayonnaise to bring everything together. I like to add in some chopped green onions and diced ham for that extra flavor kick, but feel free to get creative with your mix-ins.

You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe – just a large mixing bowl, a pot to cook your pasta, and a colander for draining. It’s all about keeping it simple and letting the ingredients shine. I go heavy on the cheese because, let’s face it, the more cheese, the better!

A person holds a blue spatula with mayonnaise over a speckled mixing bowl filled with cooked pasta, chopped ham, green bell pepper, and peas on a countertop.

How To Make It

Alright, let’s dive into how to whip up this creamy delight. First, you'll want to prepare your ingredients and get that macaroni cooking. This is where the magic begins – the smell of boiling pasta is a summer classic in itself.

Preparation

Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water. This step is crucial as it stops the cooking process and prevents your macaroni from getting mushy.

You want it to have a nice bite since it will be mixed with creamy ingredients later.

While the pasta is cooling, gather your other ingredients. Chop up those green onions and dice your ham if you haven't already. This keeps everything organized and makes the mixing part a breeze.

A person holds a container of Palmetto Cheese above a speckled mixing bowl filled with chopped ham, pasta, green onions, and a dollop of creamy dressing. A teal spatula rests inside the bowl.

Cooking

Once your macaroni is cooled, it’s time to combine everything in that large mixing bowl. Add the macaroni, palmetto pimento cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, and ham. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Gently stir until everything is well combined and you can see that beautiful creamy texture forming.

This is where most recipes go wrong: many folks skip the refrigeration step, but chilling this salad for at least an hour – or even overnight – really lets those flavors come together. When it’s done chilling, you’ll notice the salad has thickened up nicely, and the flavors have blended into pure deliciousness.

Serving & Variations

Now that you’ve got your macaroni salad ready, it’s time to serve it up. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even alongside fresh veggies for a light meal. Looking to mix things up?

A person is mixing elbow macaroni, diced ham, and other ingredients in a large, speckled bowl with a green spatula on a kitchen countertop.

A person holding a small bowl of chopped green onions above a large speckled mixing bowl filled with cooked elbow macaroni on a countertop.

You can add in some diced bell peppers for a crunch or even swap out the ham for some shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re feeling adventurous.

A common consensus among home cooks is that this salad is best served cold. It’s refreshing on a hot day and perfect for picnics or potlucks. If you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they'll keep for a few days – if they last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for Palmetto Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad?

You will need elbow macaroni, pimento cheese, mayonnaise, diced vegetables like bell peppers and green onions, salt, and pepper.

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Palmetto Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add diced jalapenos, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

What can I substitute for pimento cheese?

You can use a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar with diced roasted red peppers as a substitute for pimento cheese.

Wrapping Up

There you have it – my Palmetto Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad that’s bound to become your go-to summer side. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any gathering. Trust me, you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how it impresses everyone at the table.

A person pours shredded cheese from a bag into a speckled mixing bowl containing chopped celery, diced ham, and elbow macaroni on a kitchen counter.

Recipe created by CookinWithBabe for Trust Me Try It.

Even more from CookinWithBabe