This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy delight that’s perfect for any gathering or as a comforting side dish. Featuring rotini pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a tangy dressing made from cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, this dish is topped with crispy fried onions for added crunch. Whether you’re making it for a BBQ or potluck, this pasta salad will be the star of the show!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the best parts of a classic pasta salad with the irresistible flavors of jalapeño poppers. The creamy dressing made with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise coats every rotini, making it rich and indulgent. The sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños add an exciting punch, while the crispy fried onions provide a satisfying crunch on top. Whether I’m making this for a summer BBQ or just as a comforting dish for myself, this pasta salad always hits the spot. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy in every bite!
Ingredients
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)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Add the Flavorings: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Combine with Pasta: Fold the cooled pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring that the pasta is thoroughly coated.
Chill and Serve: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and top with crispy fried onions for an extra crunch. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Spice Level: If you like a spicier kick, try adding more jalapeños or even some hot sauce to the dressing.
Vegetarian: For a vegetarian twist, swap the fried onions for a few more crunchy veggies like bell peppers or cucumber for added texture.
Add Protein: You can turn this into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, bacon, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
Cheese Variations: Mix up the flavor by using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even improve as they sit!
Reheating: This pasta salad is best served cold, but if you want to serve it at room temperature, let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes before serving. The crispy fried onions are best added just before serving for maximum crunch.
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FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for the rotini. Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions and rinse it under cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Definitely! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop even more.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can swap it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or use a dairy-free option like avocado or vegan mayo for a lighter version.
Can I use canned jalapeños?
Yes, you can use canned pickled jalapeños if you prefer. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad to avoid extra liquid.
How can I make this dish less creamy?
If you want to reduce the creaminess, simply decrease the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream, or use a lighter version of sour cream or yogurt.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish for anyone who loves bold flavors with a touch of indulgence. It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a summer BBQ, a potluck, or a casual family dinner. The creamy texture, sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and crispy fried onions combine to make every bite absolutely delicious. With the option to customize and make it ahead of time, it’s a go-to recipe that never disappoints!
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cheesy and creamy pasta salad is packed with the bold flavors of jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy creamy dressing, all topped off with crispy fried onions. It offers a perfect balance of spice, crunch, and indulgence that will make it a hit at your next gathering or as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
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. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the Flavorings: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Combine with Pasta: Fold the cooled pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and top with crispy fried onions. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy the delicious, creamy, spicy goodness.
Notes
Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by adding more jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer extra spice.
Protein Addition: For a fuller meal, add grilled chicken, bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for making ahead. Allow it to chill for several hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish, Pasta Salad
- Method: No-cook (only pasta cooking involved)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
