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Oil-Based Vanilla Cake

Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad

  • Author: Charlotte
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad combines all the creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness of a jalapeño popper with classic macaroni salad. Loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar, and diced jalapeños, it’s the perfect bold side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or summer dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 46 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 23 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and stir to coat evenly with the dressing.
  4. Stir in cheddar cheese, bacon, diced jalapeños, and green onions.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Garnish with extra bacon or jalapeño slices if desired.

Notes

  • For more heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
  • Can be made a day in advance—just give it a stir before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: jalapeño popper macaroni salad, spicy pasta salad, bacon cheddar pasta salad, BBQ side dish, summer salad recipes