If you like a little heat with your creamy pasta salad, you’re gonna love this Easy Jalapeño Pasta Salad. It’s tangy, creamy, and just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds (but not so spicy it’s overwhelming). Perfect for BBQs, game day, or honestly—just because. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, and it’s got that zing that keeps you coming back for more.
Why I Love This Recipe
I made this on a whim one summer when I had jalapeños and leftover pasta—and boom, it became a new favorite. It’s got a kick, it’s creamy without being heavy, and it’s always a hit at parties.
Here’s why you’ll love it too:
- 🌶️ Spicy and creamy in the best way
- ⏱️ Quick to make with simple ingredients
- 🧀 Cheddar cheese + jalapeños = flavor bomb
- 🧊 Perfect cold (great for make-ahead meals)
- 🥗 Easy to customize—you can toss in whatever you’ve got in the fridge
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp diced red onion
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp pickle juice or lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
How to Make Easy Jalapeño Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil 2 cups of rotini pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
2. Slice the Jalapeños
Thinly slice 1 to 2 fresh jalapeños, depending on your spice level.
3. Dice the Veggies
Dice ¼ cup red bell pepper and 2 tbsp red onion.
4. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup mayo, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tbsp pickle juice, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, jalapeños, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing on top and toss everything until evenly coated.
6. Chill and Garnish
Let the salad chill for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Top with chopped cilantro if you like.
What to Serve With It
This salad brings the heat, so it pairs well with:
- 🍗 Grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs
- 🌮 Tacos or fajitas
- 🧊 Iced tea or lemonade
- 🥑 Chips and guacamole on the side
FAQ
Is it really spicy?
It has a kick, but you can control the heat by removing the seeds or using just one jalapeño.
Can I use pickled jalapeños?
Yes! They’re a little tangier and milder. Just slice and toss them in.
How long does it last?
About 3–4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep! Just give it a quick stir before serving.
What kind of pasta works best?
Rotini is great because it holds the dressing, but bow tie or macaroni also work.
Enjoy!
This Easy Jalapeño Pasta Salad is creamy, zesty, and totally addicting. Make it for your next cookout—or just because it’s Tuesday. Let me know how spicy you go! 😉🌶️🥗