Description
Hot Honey Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. The warm honey sauce is tossed with cooked pasta, adding a rich sweetness that balances the heat from chili flakes. Fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing add crunch and tang, making this pasta salad a refreshing yet hearty dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer picnic, a weeknight dinner, or as a side for a barbecue, this salad will be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli work well)
- 1/3 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Hot Honey: The key ingredient that gives the salad its signature sweet and spicy flavor. It combines honey with chili peppers for a spicy kick.
- Pasta: Use a shape that holds the sauce well, like rotini, penne, or fusilli, which will ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Fresh Vegetables: Crunchy veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers complement the warm pasta and sweet-spicy sauce.
- Cheese: Feta or goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy element that balances the flavors and adds richness.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the salad with added fragrance and freshness.
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta Salad:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the hot honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and well combined (about 3-4 minutes).
- Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the bell pepper if using.
- Toss the Pasta and Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chopped vegetables. Pour the warm hot honey sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add the Cheese: If using, crumble the feta or goat cheese over the top of the pasta and gently toss to incorporate.
- Chill (Optional): For a cooler pasta salad, chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. This step is optional but allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve the Salad:
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the pasta salad with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 7g