Description

This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful pasta dish inspired by the classic jalapeño popper appetizer. Combining tender rotini pasta with a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s studded with fresh or pickled jalapeños and green onions, then topped with crunchy fried onions for a satisfying texture contrast. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a deliciously easy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces rotini pasta

Cheese and Dairy Mixture

1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings

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

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to quickly cool it and stop the cooking process.
Prepare the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well blended without any lumps.
Add flavorings and mix-ins: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well incorporated to evenly distribute spices and ingredients.
Combine pasta and creamy mixture: Gently fold the cooled rotini pasta into the creamy cheese mixture, making sure each pasta piece is evenly coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.
Chill and garnish: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish, then top with the crispy fried onions. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up a bit.
Serve: Serve the Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad cold as a tasty side dish or appetizer, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual meals.

Notes

For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from fresh jalapeños before dicing to reduce heat.
The crispy fried onions add great texture; alternatively, use crushed tortilla chips for a different crunch.
Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing to keep the creamy dressing from melting.
This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.
Use pickled jalapeños for a tangier kick if fresh jalapeños are not available.