Southern Hospitality Pasta Salad
"This pasta salad was inspired by one of my favorite pimento cheese spread. I started with one of my favorite store-bought varieties, then bumped up the volume so to speak, by adding Spanish olives, garlic and fresh ground horseradish, then thinned it out slightly with a bit of milk so that it was loose enough to mix well and coat the pasta. For a fun twist, I used rotini pasta (pun intended!!), and added bacon, scallions, grape tomatoes and shredded rotisserie chicken. This substantial pasta salad is bursting with flavor and will be a huge hit at your next summer potluck!"
Why You'll Love This Recipe
We absolutely love this Southern Hospitality Pasta Salad recipe! It takes all the classic flavors of pimento cheese spread and transforms them into a delicious and satisfying pasta salad that is perfect for any summer gathering.
The idea of using a store-bought pimento cheese spread as the base for the dressing is genius. It adds a creamy and tangy element that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. The addition of Spanish olives, garlic, and fresh ground horseradish takes the flavor profile to a whole new level. These ingredients add a kick of flavor and a bit of spice that really elevates the dish.
The choice of rotini pasta is also a great one. The shape of the pasta allows the dressing to cling to it, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. And of course, the addition of bacon, scallions, grape tomatoes, and shredded rotisserie chicken adds even more depth and texture to the salad.
Overall, this pasta salad is a true crowd-pleaser. It is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but also makes a great side dish to accompany grilled meats or burgers at a summer BBQ. Plus, the vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a visually appealing addition to any potluck or picnic spread. Trust us, this Southern Hospitality Pasta Salad will be a huge hit at your next gathering!
Serves8
Preparation Time15 min
Cooking Time15 min
Ingredients
- 2 cups Your favorite store-bought pimento cheese spread
- 3 cups hcopped Manzanilla Spanish olives, plus 3 tablespoons of juice from the jar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Fresh ground horseradish
- 1 cup milk
- 9 slices prepackaged fully cooked bacon (plus additional, crumbled for garnish)
- 12 ounces Rotini pasta
- 3 Scallions, chopped (plus additional, chopped for garnish)
- 6 ounces Grape tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup Shredded rotisserie chicken
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, mix together the pimento cheese, olives, olive juice, garlic, and horseradish; stir in the milk; set aside.
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Place the bacon onto a large microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 10 - 15 seconds, just to crisp bacon. Coarsely chop bacon; set aside.
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Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain; rinse with cold water and drain well.
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Place the pasta into the bowl with the pimento cheese mixture. Add in the scallions, tomatoes, chicken and reserved bacon; mix to fully combine.
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Garnish with chopped scallion and crumbled bacon.
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