Pimento Cheese Salad
Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Pimento Cheese Salad is a Southern-inspired twist on a classic salad that will elevate your lunch or dinner game. Featuring a rich homemade pimento cheese made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, diced pimientos, and a hint of paprika, this dish brings bold and zesty flavors to every bite. Served over a bed of crisp baby spinach or mixed greens and topped with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion, this salad achieves the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, this versatile recipe can be served on its own or with crackers or toasted bread for a satisfying crunch. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy meal or a crowd-pleasing side, this Pimento Cheese Salad delivers a delightful combination of creamy comfort and fresh produce.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.33 cup pimientos, diced and drained
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for added spice)
- 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 0.25 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup crackers or toasted bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
Add the diced pimientos, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and hot sauce (if using) to the mixture. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
Taste the pimento cheese mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add a touch more mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pimento cheese for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
While the pimento cheese chills, prepare the salad base. Place the baby spinach or mixed greens on a large serving platter or individual plates.
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens, distributing them evenly.
Once the pimento cheese is chilled and firm, scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture and gently place them on top of the salad greens.
Serve the Pimento Cheese Salad immediately with crackers or toasted bread on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2456 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.0 g | 186% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.0 g | 380% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 366 mg | 122% | |
| Sodium | 3739 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 218.8 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.5 g | ||
| Protein | 87.4 g | 175% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1994 mg | 153% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 2239 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
