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–+ servings
Hot Honey Pasta Salad

Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Pasta Salad for Summer Bliss

This Hot Honey Pasta Salad combines sweet honey and spicy red pepper flakes for a deliciously refreshing side perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Light Olive Oil can substitute with avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup Honey use agave syrup for a vegan option
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice can substitute with lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano fresh oregano can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme substitute with Italian seasoning if unavailable
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust based on preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic for stronger taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder consider fresh onion for stronger flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt use sea salt for a nuanced taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper adjust based on personal preference
Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Medium Size Pasta (Bowtie or Penne) can use whole-grain for healthier option
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes grape tomatoes are a perfect substitute
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls can substitute with cubed fresh mozzarella or feta
  • 1 cup Mini Pepperoni Slices can use turkey pepperoni or omit for vegetarian option
  • 2 cups Baby Arugula can use spinach as a milder alternative
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil substitute with fresh parsley if basil is unavailable

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add medium-sized pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the dressing and stir gently for 1-2 minutes until evenly coated.
  4. Carefully fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, mini pepperoni slices, fresh basil, and baby arugula. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best flavor, prepare the salad in advance. Add greens right before serving for freshness.

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