Description
This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad combines creamy, tangy ingredients with a spicy kick from jalapeños. Perfect for any cookout, family gathering, or potluck, this pasta salad is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and topped with crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a light meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Add the Flavors: To the creamy mixture, add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Combine with the Pasta: Fold the cooled pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the Pasta Salad: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and top with crispy fried onions for added crunch. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- You can use fresh or pickled jalapeños depending on your heat preference. Pickled jalapeños tend to be milder.
- For extra crunch, add more crispy fried onions on top right before serving.
- The pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg