Description
This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on traditional pasta salad, combining the flavors of jalapeño poppers with creamy pasta goodness. With a hint of spice from jalapeños and the richness of cheddar and cream cheeses, this salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or as a side dish any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
Dressing:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add pasta, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and bacon to the dressing; toss to coat.
- Garnish and Chill: Top with green onions if desired, then chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds or add cayenne.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
