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Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad Recipe

4.6 from 62 reviews

A creamy and spicy twist on a classic macaroni salad, featuring sharp cheddar cheese and zesty jalapeños blended with smooth cream cheese for a flavorful side dish perfect for barbecues and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese and Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Vegetables

  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
  2. Prepare Jalapeño Mixture: While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the jalapeños after removing the seeds to reduce heat. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier mixing.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped jalapeños. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly combined and creamy.
  4. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a spicy and creamy side dish.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños to suit your preferred spice level.
  • For a creamier salad, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream.
  • Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water to prevent it from getting mushy.
  • Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
  • This salad can be prepared a day ahead and tastes even better after resting overnight.

Keywords: jalapeño popper, macaroni salad, creamy salad, spicy pasta salad, cheddar cheese salad