Description
This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic jalapeño popper appetizer, transformed into a creamy and flavorful pasta salad. Loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and fresh jalapeños, this salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or elbow pasta
Creamy Dressing:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Flavorful Additions:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 3–4 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise and sour cream until well combined.
- Add Ingredients: Add shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives. Fold in the cooled pasta and stir until evenly coated.
- Season and Chill: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with extra chives and crispy bacon bits if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
