Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Hot Honey Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of sweet heat and fresh flavors, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. With a zesty honey-infused dressing and a colorful mix of pasta, veggies, and pepperoni, it’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Ingredients

• Dressing Ingredients:
• ¾ cup light olive oil
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)
• 1½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Pasta Salad Ingredients:
• 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. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, honey, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, mini pepperoni slices, baby arugula, and fresh basil to the pasta. Gently stir everything together.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately for fresh flavors, or refrigerate the salad for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, omit the pepperoni and add roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit altogether.
• Use fresh herbs like oregano and thyme if you have them on hand for even brighter flavor.
• Try swapping arugula for spinach or mixed greens based on what you have available.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving, and it can be eaten cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture of the fresh ingredients may be affected.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any medium-sized pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well in this salad. Choose shapes that hold the dressing so each bite is flavorful.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well for several days, making it a great option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 360 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Hot Honey Pasta Salad featuring bowtie pasta tossed in a sweet, spicy, and herbaceous dressing with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, mini pepperoni slices, baby arugula, and fresh basil. Perfect as a refreshing side or a light meal, this salad balances heat and sweetness with wholesome ingredients.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing Ingredients

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

Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 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. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of medium-sized pasta, such as bowtie or penne, and cook until tender according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and briefly rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the pasta cooks, add the dressing ingredients — ¾ cup light olive oil, ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), 1½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1½ teaspoon onion powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper — to the bottom of a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Transfer the drained and cooled pasta into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently yet thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
4. Add Salad Ingredients: To the dressed pasta, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces of fully drained mozzarella pearls, 4 ounces of mini pepperoni slices, 1½ cups baby arugula, and ½ cup fresh basil. Stir everything together carefully to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
5. Chill and Serve: The pasta salad can be served immediately for a fresh taste, but it tastes best if refrigerated for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light meal or side dish.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the dressing to control the heat level based on your preference.
• Rinsing the cooked pasta with cool water stops the cooking and helps cool the salad quickly for serving.
• Refrigerate the salad for at least two hours to allow flavors to fully develop and blend.
• This salad is ideal for making ahead for gatherings or meal prep.
• Use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Make sure the mozzarella pearls are well drained to avoid watery salad.

Keywords: hot honey pasta salad, spicy pasta salad, honey pasta dressing, bowtie pasta salad, penne pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, mozzarella pasta salad