Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the spicy and creamy flavors of jalapeño poppers, this macaroni salad is for you! The cream cheese and cheddar bring a velvety texture, while the fresh and pickled jalapeños offer the perfect amount of heat. The addition of crumbled beef makes this salad hearty and satisfying, making it the ideal comfort food side dish. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or just need a quick and tasty meal, this macaroni salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 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 beef

• ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (chopped)

• 2 fresh jalapeños (diced, seeds removed for less heat)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled beef, pickled jalapeños, fresh diced jalapeños, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.

4. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and mix until evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure everything is well combined.

6. Transfer the macaroni salad to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions.

7. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: If you love extra heat, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing mixture.

• Vegetarian Option: Leave out the crumbled beef and add in more pickled jalapeños or even some roasted red peppers for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This macaroni salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy texture will hold up well, but make sure to give it a quick stir before serving. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh the texture. This salad is best served cold and doesn't require reheating, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta you prefer, such as rotini or penne.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make this salad spicier, you can add more fresh jalapeños, use spicy pickled jalapeños, or include a dash of hot sauce in the dressing.

4. Can I omit the beef in the recipe?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and adding extra veggies or beans for texture.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any cheese of your choice.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

7. How can I make this salad less creamy?

If you prefer a less creamy salad, you can reduce the amount of mayo and sour cream and replace some of it with plain yogurt or buttermilk.

8. Can I freeze the macaroni salad?

It's not recommended to freeze this salad due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, as it may separate when thawed.

9. What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and a lighter option.

10. How do I know if the salad has enough flavor?

Taste the salad after mixing, and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or jalapeños according to your preference.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad is the ultimate side dish that combines creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors for a deliciously satisfying meal. It's easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or just craving a comforting dish, this macaroni salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad

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This Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad is a flavorful and creamy twist on a classic pasta salad, combining the richness of mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese with the zesty heat of jalapeños. Perfect for any cookout, potluck, or as a side dish.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing, Chilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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 beef

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)

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Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled beef, pickled jalapeños, fresh diced jalapeños, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and mix until evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure everything is well combined.
6. Transfer the macaroni salad to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions.
7. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• For extra heat, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing mixture.
• If you prefer, you can incorporate cooked bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add extra pickled jalapeños or roasted red peppers.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg