Description
This Jalapeno Popper Salad is a spicy and creamy twist on the classic jalapeno popper appetizer. Featuring fresh jalapeños, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a luscious cream cheese and sour cream dressing, this salad is both flavorful and refreshing. Optional additions like avocado, corn, and black beans elevate the dish, making it perfect for gatherings or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Salad Ingredients
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 4 strips crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 cup fresh vegetables (such as diced tomatoes and bell peppers)
- 1 ripe avocado (optional), diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional), rinsed and drained
Dressing Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the thinly sliced jalapeños, chopped crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and any optional ingredients like avocado, corn, and black beans, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy, blending the spicy jalapeño flavors uniformly.
- Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the jalapeño cream cheese mixture over the salad ingredients and gently fold it in to coat all components without crushing the vegetables, preserving their freshness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad to enhance the vibrant flavors and add a zesty finish.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spiciness of the salad.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to mix easily with sour cream for a smooth dressing.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavors and maintains crispness, so do not skip refrigeration before serving.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be served as a standalone refreshing appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (to crisp bacon if cooking fresh)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Jalapeno Popper Salad, spicy salad, creamy dressing, bacon salad, fresh jalapenos, appetizer salad
