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Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad

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A creamy, cheesy, and spicy macaroni salad inspired by jalapeño poppers. This crowd-pleasing dish blends elbow macaroni with cheddar, cream cheese, jalapeños, and a tangy dressing—perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer parties.

Ingredients

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  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 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
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down completely.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickled jalapeños, and diced fresh jalapeños into the dressing. Adjust the amount of fresh jalapeños for your preferred level of heat.
  4. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy dressing.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to blend. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the fresh jalapeños.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your heat preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easyfoodflash.com/jalapeno-popper-macaroni-salad/