How to Make a Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad
This Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is perfect for any picnic, potluck, or BBQ. This recipe is creamy, cheesy and the perfect amount of that famous Jalapeño kick without being too much!! 🙌
Ingredients
For the Roasted Jalapeños:
- 5 Large Jalapeños, (tops, seeds and veins removed)
- Olive Oil (just a splash)
- Salt/Pepper to taste
For the Macaroni Salad:
- 8 ounces Dry Elbow Macaroni, (cooked)
- 2 ounces Cream Cheese, (softened)
- 6-8 ounces Bacon, (cooked and chopped)
- 4 ounces Mild Cheddar Cheese, (cubed)
- 1/3 Cup Mayonnaise (can use a light version)
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream (can use a light version)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
- Ground Pepper, (to taste)
Directions
Roasted Jalapeños Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F
2. Toss jalapeños with just enough olive oil to lightly coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Roast jalapeños on baking sheet for 10 mins. Let cool then chop.
Macaroni Salad Instructions:
1. Mix cooked macaroni and cream cheese while pasta is still slightly warm. Let cool.
2. Add bacon, cheddar, mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and jalapeños.
3. Store in refrigerator in airtight container until served.
Here’s a Quick Video Tutorial!
Perfect Presentation Platters
Large Serving Bowls: This Pasta Salad is so bright and vibrant and looks pretty in just about any bowl! I used this Wooden Serving Bowl from JC Penney (that’s on sale!) or you may also love this beautiful stoneware bowl. For a higher-end choice, I love this white floral bowl by MacKenzie-Childs, as well this everyday bowl from her collection, which also comes in blue and now pink!
Individual Bowls: If you’d prefer to serve this in individual or smaller bowls, Walmart has these beautiful gray stoneware bowls with silver rims that are so elegant! I also love this black-and-white coordinating set or this colorful terracotta Spanish style.
Individual Plates: I love the black-and-white checkered plates from MacKenzie-Childs, which also come in a blue or pink version! For adorable salad plates, I am obsessed with this beautiful coordinating set from Target for a great price!
Kitchen Links: I get asked all the time about the products in the background of my kitchen. Much of it is from MacKenzie-Childs, which I have slowly grown a collection of over the years! My favorites are this checkered chopping board, my black and white checkered teapot, and the gray and white checkered utensil holder. I also have this enamel canister that you can find in small, medium, or large.
Can I Prep This Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad in Advance?
Yes! This should stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days before serving time (just store in a Tupperware container or Ziploc bag. You can also meal prep this by freezing for up to three months before defrosting in the refrigerator.
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight Tupperware container or Ziploc Bag and store in the refrigerator, where it should stay fresh for about three days. This is also delicious on a wrap or sandwich!
Enjoy!
I hope this Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is a unique, delicious meal to add to your collection! I LOVE making different pasta salad variations, like my flavor-packed Hot Honey Pasta Salad, refreshing Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad, and zesty BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad. Thanks for visiting, friends!
PrintHow to Make a Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad
This Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is perfect for any picnic, potluck, or BBQ. Its creamy, cheesy, and the perfect amount of spice!
Ingredients
For the Roasted Jalapeños:
-
- 5 Large Jalapeños, (tops, seeds and veins removed)
-
- Olive Oil (just a splash)
-
- Salt/Pepper to taste
For the Macaroni Salad:
-
- 8 ounces Dry Elbow Macaroni, (cooked)
-
- 2 ounces Cream Cheese, (softened)
-
- 6–8 ounces Bacon, (cooked and chopped)
-
- 4 ounces Mild Cheddar Cheese, (cubed)
-
- 1/3 Cup Mayonnaise (can use a light version)
-
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream (can use a light version)
-
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
-
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
-
- Ground Pepper, (to taste)
Instructions
Roasted Jalapeños Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F
2. Toss jalapeños with just enough olive oil to lightly coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Roast jalapeños on baking sheet for 10 mins. Let cool then chop.
Macaroni Salad Instructions:
1. Mix cooked macaroni and cream cheese while pasta is still slightly warm. Let cool.
2. Add bacon, cheddar, mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and jalapeños.
3. Store in refrigerator in airtight container until served.