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Basil Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad
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Basil Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad

A pasta salad made by making pimento cheese dip and adding it to pasta. Serve with basil and ritz crackers for a great grilling side dish.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian, Southern
Keyword: Mac and Cheese, Mash-Up, pasta
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

Basil Pimento Cheese

  • 8 ounces cheddar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 4 ounces jarred pimento peppers drained
  • 1 jalapeno seeds removed and chopped
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 30 basil leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Pasta Salad

  • 1/2 pound elbow pasta
  • 1 cup pimento cheese from above recipe
  • 10 basil leaves not needed if using the homemade pimento
  • chopped scallions for garnish
  • ritz crackers for garnish

Instructions

  • Put all the pimento cheese ingredients into a food processor. Process until smooth and combined. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • Drain and rinse pasta with cold water.
  • Add the pasta to a large bowl and stir in the pimento cheese. (and basil if applicable)
  • Chill until ready to serve. Top with scallions and crushed up ritz crackers before serving.