Go Back
–+ servings
Hot Honey Pasta Salad

Hot Honey Pasta Salad: Sweet and Spicy Summer Perfection

A vibrant Hot Honey Pasta Salad combining sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Light Olive Oil
  • 3 tablespoons Honey Choose a hotter variety for more heat
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh lemon juice is recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Can substitute with Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Can swap with savory
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can also be used
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be omitted if preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper Fresh ground pepper preferred
For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Medium Size Pasta (e.g., Bowtie or Penne) Gluten-free pasta can be used for dietary needs
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Substitute with grape tomatoes if needed
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Pearls Can replace with diced mozzarella or feta
  • 1/2 cup Mini Pepperoni Slices Omit for a vegetarian version
  • 2 cups Baby Arugula Spinach can be used as an alternative
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Fresh herbs are recommended

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • large spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, and lemon juice. Add oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 1 minute.
  3. Add cooled pasta to dressing and toss gently to coat.
  4. Fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, mini pepperoni, arugula, and basil.
  5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For the best taste, serve this salad cold and mix fresh arugula and basil just before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!