Description
A creamy and spicy pasta salad combining tender rotini with a cheesy jalapeño dressing, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a side dish or a flavorful potluck contribution, this easy-to-make salad brings a tasty kick and creamy texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once fully cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to quickly cool it and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and well blended.
- Add the Flavors: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the creamy base. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Combine with the Pasta: Gently fold the cooled pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill the Pasta Salad: Transfer the combined pasta salad into a serving dish. Top with crispy fried onions to add a crunchy texture. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh jalapeños for a spicier kick or pickled jalapeños for a tangier flavor.
- For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños depending on your heat preference.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For added protein, try mixing in cooked and diced chicken or bacon bits.
