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Hot Honey Pasta Salad

Hot Honey Pasta Salad: Sweet and Spicy Summer Delight

Hot Honey Pasta Salad combines sweet and spicy flavors with fresh ingredients for a perfect summer side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 0.75 cups light olive oil Substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor.
  • 0.33 cups honey Use agave syrup for a vegan alternative.
  • 0.25 cups lemon juice Fresh lemon juice is recommended for best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoons dried oregano Use fresh oregano if available.
  • 1 tablespoons dried thyme Can be omitted or replaced with Italian seasoning.
  • 1 tablespoons red pepper flakes Adjust quantity to preference.
  • 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute.
  • 1.5 teaspoons onion powder Chopped fresh onion can be added for more crunch.
  • 0.75 teaspoons salt Use kosher salt for a different texture.
  • 0.5 teaspoons pepper White pepper can be used for a milder taste.
Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound medium pasta (bowtie or penne) Gluten-free pasta works for gluten-free option.
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes Substitute with grape tomatoes or diced bell peppers.
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls Diced fresh mozzarella or feta can be used instead.
  • 4 ounces mini pepperoni slices Substitute with turkey pepperoni or omit for vegetarian option.
  • 1.5 cups baby arugula Baby spinach is an acceptable substitute.
  • 0.5 cups fresh basil Substitute with parsley for a different herbal note.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the medium pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cool running water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dressing ingredients: light olive oil, honey, lemon juice, dried oregano and thyme, and red pepper flakes. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and thoroughly mixed.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until each piece is well-coated.
  4. Carefully incorporate the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, mini pepperoni, baby arugula, and fresh basil. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Let the pasta salad sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours for the best flavor. Adjust the heat levels of red pepper flakes as desired.

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