Description
This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on a classic pasta salad, combining the flavors of jalapeño poppers with creamy pasta and cheddar cheese. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, shredded cheddar, bacon, diced jalapeños, and green onions. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños for more or less heat, or use pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta is cooked)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
