Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad

Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad is going to revolutionize your potluck game! Just imagine everything you love about spicy, creamy, cheesy jalapeno poppers, all tossed into a picnic-perfect pasta salad. 

Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is what savory dreams are made of. If you’re a love of all things spicy, salty, and mouthwatering, this one’s for you! Jalapeno popper pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon, two kinds of cheese, and a zesty jalapeno ranch that ties it all together. It travels well, is easy to make ahead, and is so easy to make it’s basically fail-proof. It checks all the right boxes, and then some! While jalapenos, bacon, and cheese may steal the spotlight, I have a sleeper agent in the mix that takes it to the next level – crushed garlic croutons. They’re what remind me a little of that crispy fried fast food jalapeno popper that I love so much.

Be the star of your backyard bbq this summer with more easy pasta salad recipes like caesar pasta salad, tuna pasta salad, and antipasto pasta salad! 

Is it spicy?

That all depends on your spice tolerance. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of crazy spicy things, and I find this to be just right as is. If you want to scale back any possible heat, then be sure to remove the jalapeno seeds (that’s where the heat is) and use fewer peppers than what’s called for. On the other hand, if you want it spicier, you can always add more peppers or even some hot sauce to the mix! 

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad

1. Make the dressing. Combine the ranch, jalapenos, lime juice, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until completely smooth.
2. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, run under cold water until completely cool, set aside.
3. Mix. Mix together the pasta and jalapeno ranch. Add the jalapenos, cheddar, pepper jack, and bacon, stir well to combine.
4. Add the croutons. Stir in half of the crushed croutons. Top the pasta salad with remaining croutons before serving. Chill until ready to serve.

Storing

Great news! This pasta salad actually tastes better after it’s chilled in the fridge for a little while, making it one of my favorite make-ahead recipes. Keep it stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 

I do not recommend freezing pasta salad. 

Ingredient Notes

• Ranch Dressing – Any store-bought brand is fine. Or, go the extra mile with the best homemade ranch dressing! 
• Jalapenos – I personally love using fresh peppers for this recipe. However, pickled jalapenos will also work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re drained well so they don’t add a bunch of extra liquid. 
• Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed is the way to go! 
• Garlic – Same goes here. Fresh is best. However, keep in mind that since we’re using fresh garlic, the flavor is very potent. Don’t use more than what’s called for, or you risk overpowering the other ingredients. 
• Rotini Pasta – Let the pasta cool completely! This keeps the dressing from getting watery and helps it cling better.
• Cheeses – I like to use both cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese! If possible, grate them each fresh off the block for the best flavor and texture.
• Bacon – Keep things quick and easy by whipping up some air fryer bacon. 
• Garlic Croutons – Add the croutons at the last minute! Otherwise, they’ll get soggy. 

Enjoy!

~Nichole