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Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/hot-honey-pasta-salad-recipe/