Creamy Jalapeno Popper Macaroni Pasta Salad Recipe (20 Minutes, 8 Ingredients) Salads High Protein Recipes Low Sugar Recipes Side Dishes Pasta Budget Recipes Pork

Who doesn't love jalapeno poppers? I've made traditional jalapeno poppers (stuffed jalapenos with cream cheese and bacon), jalapeno popper soup and jalapeno popper dip, but never jalapeno popper pasta salad. Now I'm wondering why the heck not!? This creamy jalapeno popper macaroni salad recipe pops with all those flavors we love.

To make this pasta salad recipe you only need eight simple ingredients. Here is your shopping list for this high-protein recipe: elbow macaroni, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, bacon, pickled or fresh jalapenos and green onions. The ingredients are simply stirred together. Done. (Check out the health benefits of protein and the health benefits of jalapeno peppers.)

This creamy jalapeno popper pasta salad tastes amazing at room temperature or cold from the fridge. Serve the macaroni salad recipe as as side dish with dinner, as a light lunch or pack it for your next summer cookout or potluck.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos, chopped, or fresh jalapenos (seeds and ribs removed for less heat)
• 2 green onions, chopped

Here's how to make it: 

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and let cool.
2. Stir together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, jalapenos and green onions in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Add the macaroni and stir to combine. Stir in the bacon. (I like to add the bacon last, especially if I'm not serving it right away, so it stays crisp.) Add more mayonnaise, if needed, to reach desired consistency.
4. Garnish with more sliced jalapenos and bacon, if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This recipe can easily be doubled.

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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