Peanut Pasta Salad recipe
SaladSoups & Salads

Peanut Pasta Salad

Peanut Pasta Salad combines tender corkscrew macaroni, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, cocktail peanuts, and hard-cooked eggs in a creamy homemade dressing. Served chilled, this hearty salad is perfect for lunches, picnics, potlucks, cookouts, and make-ahead family meals.
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Ingredients

  • 5 oz corkscrew macaroni
  • 10 oz frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 cup cocktail peanuts
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 2 tbsp tbsp onion, minced
  • 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
  • 1 tbsp prepared mustard
  • 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Dash of cayenne pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

  1. Cook the corkscrew macaroni according to the package directions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly so excess water doesn't thin the dressing.
  2. Cook the frozen peas and carrots according to the package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water until completely cooled. Allow the vegetables to drain completely before adding them to the salad.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, peas and carrots, cocktail peanuts, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped hard-cooked eggs, and minced onion. Toss gently until evenly distributed.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or salad dressing), prepared mustard, sweet pickle relish, salt, and cayenne pepper until smooth and well blended.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Stir gently before serving. Makes approximately 6 cups.

Notes

  • Allow the pasta and vegetables to cool completely before adding the dressing.
  • Drain the pasta and vegetables well so the dressing stays creamy.
  • Prepare the salad several hours ahead for even better flavor.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Garnish with extra cocktail peanuts just before serving for additional crunch.

A Creamy Pasta Salad with Crunchy Peanut Flavor

Peanut Pasta Salad combines corkscrew macaroni, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, hard-cooked eggs, and cocktail peanuts in a creamy dressing that's both hearty and refreshing. The peanuts add a satisfying crunch while complementing the rich dressing and tender pasta, creating a salad that works equally well as a side dish or light meal.
This chilled recipe has long been a favorite for family gatherings, picnics, church suppers, and neighborhood cookouts because it can be prepared ahead of time and served straight from the refrigerator.

Perfect for Picnics, Potlucks, and Family Meals

Preparing the salad in advance allows the dressing to coat every ingredient while giving the flavors time to develop. The combination of pasta, vegetables, cheese, eggs, and peanuts creates a complete salad that's filling enough for lunch while remaining versatile enough to accompany grilled meats, sandwiches, or barbecue favorites.
Adding the peanuts just before serving provides the most crunch, although they also soften slightly as the salad rests, creating a different but equally enjoyable texture.

Peanuts Add Texture and Richness

Cocktail peanuts contribute more than crunch to this classic pasta salad. Their roasted flavor balances the creamy dressing while adding texture that contrasts with the tender macaroni and vegetables. Recipes like this highlight how peanuts can bring both flavor and versatility to savory dishes beyond traditional snacks and desserts.
Combined with cheddar cheese and hard-cooked eggs, the peanuts help transform a simple pasta salad into a satisfying meal that works for nearly any occasion.

From Southeastern Peanut Farms to Everyday Family Tables

The peanuts featured in this recipe begin with growers across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina, where generations of farmers continue producing high-quality peanuts for snacks, peanut butter, cooking, and family recipes enjoyed throughout the country. Their versatility is one reason peanuts remain a favorite ingredient in kitchens of every style.
Learn more about Where Peanuts Grow, follow The Peanut's Journey, or explore the different market classes in Peanut Types. Looking for more meal ideas? Browse additional recipes in our Lunch, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, and Soups & Salads collections.

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