Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad

This Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with bold Southern flavor. Made with Palmetto Cheese Homestyle Pimento Cheese, it’s an easy side dish that instantly elevates any meal.

If you love a good macaroni salad but want something a little more flavorful, this recipe is it. The addition of pimento cheese brings a rich, cheesy depth with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Combined with tender pasta, crunchy relish, and fresh green onions, every bite is creamy, balanced, and full of texture.

Using Palmetto Cheese Homestyle Pimento Cheese makes this recipe incredibly simple while delivering that authentic, homemade taste. It’s made with real cheddar cheese, pimentos, and a signature blend of seasonings, so you get all the flavor without any extra work. Whether you’re serving this at a cookout, picnic, or weeknight dinner, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, cheesy flavor thanks to Palmetto Cheese Homestyle Pimento Cheese
• Quick and easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Perfect make-ahead side dish for gatherings and cookouts
• Creamy with a little crunch from relish and green onions

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card

• Elbow macaroni – The classic pasta shape that holds onto all that creamy dressing
• Palmetto Cheese Homestyle Pimento Cheese – The star ingredient that adds rich, cheesy flavor and Southern flair
• Mayonnaise or salad dressing – Enhances creaminess and binds everything together
• Dill or sweet relish – Adds a pop of tangy or sweet flavor and a bit of texture
• Green onions – Bring freshness and a mild onion bite
• Milk – Helps loosen the mixture to your desired creamy consistency
• Sugar – Balances the tanginess (optional, to taste)

How to Make Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad

1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions.
2. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the pimento cheese, mayonnaise or salad dressing, relish, and green onions until well combined.

4. Fold in the cooled macaroni until evenly coated.
5. Add milk as needed to reach your preferred creamy consistency.
6. Taste and adjust with sugar, salt, and black pepper as desired.
7. Cover and chill for at least one hour before serving.

Expert Tips

• Rinse your pasta with cool water to keep it from overcooking and sticking.
• Let it chill before serving. This helps the flavors fully develop.
• Adjust the relish to taste depending on if you prefer sweet or tangy.
• Add milk (a little at a time) to avoid thinning it too much.
• Use quality pimento cheese like Palmetto Cheese for the best flavor payoff.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken when chilled. Add a splash of milk if needed to refresh the creamy texture. I don’t recommend freezing due to the creamy base.

Frequently Asked Questions

This post was created in partnership with Palmetto Cheese Homestyle Pimento Cheese. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.