Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad
A Creamy, Cheesy Pasta Salad with a Kick—Packed with Bacon, Jalapeños, and That Perfectly Tangy Dressing!
Love a classic macaroni salad but want something with a little more heat and indulgence? Meet your new summer side dish: Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad. With creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and a spicy jalapeño twist, this pasta salad takes your usual picnic fare to the next level. It’s bold, it’s cheesy, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
What You’ll Need (Serves 6–8):
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (chopped)
- 2 fresh jalapeños (diced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Ready to spice up your pasta salad game? Let’s mix it up—or tap (>) to jump straight to the step-by-step. And don’t forget to SHARE this creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness with your fellow foodies!
