Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Hot Honey Pasta Salad combines a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. With tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it’s a refreshing dish that’s great for gatherings or a simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup light olive oil
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp onion powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 pound medium size pasta (bowtie or penne)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (fully drained)
• 4 ounces mini pepperoni slices
• 1½ cups baby arugula
• ½ cup fresh basil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, combine the light olive oil, honey, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until the dressing is well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the drained and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly.
4. Step 4: Fold in the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, mini pepperoni slices, baby arugula, and fresh basil. Mix until all ingredients are combined.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate for at least two hours to let the flavors meld for a richer, more developed flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your liking.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing gives an extra tangy note that complements the honey and spice.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad sits for a while, the pasta will absorb some dressing; stir before serving and add a little extra olive oil or lemon juice if it seems dry. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made a few hours in advance or even the day before to allow the flavors to meld. Just store it in the fridge and stir well before serving.

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Medium-size pasta such as bowtie (farfalle) or penne works well because their shapes hold the dressing nicely and mix easily with the other ingredients.

Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Hot Honey Pasta Salad combining tender pasta, sweet and spicy honey dressing, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, pepperoni slices, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a zesty side dish or a light meal that’s best served chilled to enhance its bold flavors.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• ¾ cup light olive oil
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp onion powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Salad

• 1 pound medium size pasta (bowtie or penne)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces mozzarella pearls, fully drained
• 4 ounces mini pepperoni slices
• 1½ cups baby arugula
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package’s instructions until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the pasta cooks, combine the light olive oil, honey, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the drained and cooled pasta directly into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is well coated with the hot honey dressing.
4. Add Salad Ingredients: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, drained mozzarella pearls, mini pepperoni slices, baby arugula, and fresh basil into the bowl. Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. Chill and Serve: The pasta salad can be served immediately, but for the best flavor, cover and refrigerate it for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature as desired.

Notes

• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level for milder or spicier dressings.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni or substitute with your favorite plant-based alternative.
• This pasta salad can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like basil and arugula for brightness and texture contrast.
• Make sure mozzarella pearls are well drained to avoid watering down the salad.
• If using gluten-free pasta, cook according to package directions and ensure it holds texture well when tossed in dressing.

Keywords: hot honey pasta salad, sweet and spicy pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, mozzarella pasta salad, pepperoni pasta salad, summer pasta salad