Jalapeno Popper Macaroni Salad Recipe – Perfect for any gathering, this macaroni salad has all the great flavor of a jalapeño popper… jalapeños, cheddar cheese, bacon, and creamy dressing!
Jalapeno Popper Macaroni Salad Recipe
Jalapeno Popper Macaroni Salad Recipe - Perfect for any gathering, this macaroni salad has all the great flavor of a jalapeño popper... jalapeños, cheddar cheese, bacon, and creamy dressing!
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 cup canned jalapeños chopped I prefer the mild version (can substitute with fresh chopped jalapeños as well)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubed small (or shredded) (monterey jack or Colby jack are good as well)
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise I like to use the canola oil mayo for a less calorie dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese room temperature
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice fresh is best
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- generous pinch of black pepper
- fresh parsley minced for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring large pot of water to a boil, add generous pinch of salt and boil pasta per package directions. Drain, and rinse pasta with cold water until cooled.
- To a small mixing bowl, add mayo, sour cream, cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder and black pepper and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- To a large mixing or serving bowl, add cooked and cooled pasta, jalapeños, cheese, and most of the bacon. Pour dressing over pasta and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with remaining bacon, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to fully combine.
- Serve cold.
Notes
If desired, add a bit of melted butter to some panko breadcrumbs and cook in a dry skillet over LOW heat until fragrant and toasty. Before serving pasta salad, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top.
Recipe by: thechunkychef.com