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Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 41 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish combining tender rotini pasta with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Enhanced with shredded cheddar, fresh or pickled jalapeños, and green onions, the salad is topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfect for parties, barbecues, or a refreshing summer side, this pasta salad offers a cheesy twist on the classic jalapeño popper flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta

Dressing and Mix-ins

  • 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

Topping

  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully blended with no lumps remaining.
  3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it is well incorporated and evenly distributed.
  4. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Fold the cooled pasta gently into the creamy cheese mixture. Ensure that every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  5. Chill and Top: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the top with crispy fried onions for added texture and crunch. Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled as a delightful side dish or snack, enjoying the creamy, spicy, and cheesy combination.

Notes

  • Use fresh jalapeños if you prefer more heat, or pickled jalapeños for a tangier flavor.
  • Make sure cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and smoother.
  • Chilling the salad is essential for the flavors to meld properly.
  • For a vegetarian option, ensure the crispy fried onions don’t contain animal products.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated for even better flavor.

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Find it online: https://cozyfamilydinners.com/cheesy-jalapeno-popper-pasta-salad-recipe/