While I usually focus my videos on the main course, we all know that in order to complete the meal you need to add some side dishes. While I love Macaroni Salad, it usually is pretty boring. So I decided to kick it up a notch or two by adding all those flavors from a Jalapeno Popper into the Salad. Jalapenos, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and creamy dressing!
This Macaroni Salad is sure to have all your friends and family asking you for the recipe. The best part is it is very easy to make. If you like the flavors of Jalapeno Poppers you need to try this recipe. I guarantee you will love it!
Ingredients:
1 lb dried elbow Macaroni pasta
4-5 fresh Jalapenos, diced
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, cubed small (or shredded) (Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are good as well)
8 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1/2 cup Sour Cream
2 Tbsp Cream Cheese, softened
2 Tbsp Lemon juice
3/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
generous pinch of Black Pepper
fresh Parsley or Green Onion, for garnish
Start by slicing your Jalapenos in half and removing the seeds. If you like it more spicy feel free to leave a few seeds. Place the Peppers on a baking sheet and spray with some Olive Oil spray. Season with Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder. Roast in your oven at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until nicely soften. Remove from Oven and allow to cool down.
Gently remove the outer skin from the Jalapeno Peppers. Sometime it is easier using a small knife to cut into the skin, and then you can pull it off. Diced the Jalapenos into pieces and set aside.
Bring large pot of water to a boil, add generous pinch of salt and boil pasta per package directions. Drain, and rinse pasta with cold water until cooled. Also cook the Bacon and crumble into smaller pieces.
To a small mixing bowl, add mayo, sour cream, cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder and black pepper and whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
To a large mixing or serving bowl, add cooked and cooled pasta, jalapeños, cheese, and most of the bacon. Pour dressing over pasta and toss to combine.
Sprinkle with remaining bacon, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to fully combine. Serve and enjoy!
To watch me prepare this recipe step by step, simply watch my video below.
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