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Hey pasta lovers! If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on your usual pasta salad, then this Hot Honey Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to make before the summer slips away. With its sweet, spicy, and tangy dressing, paired with the creaminess of mozzarella and the crunch of croutons, this salad is a real crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to make this fun and tasty recipe!
Method
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the mezzi rigatoni and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. After the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. To prevent it from sticking, drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta and gently toss it. Let the pasta cool down for a bit at room temperature, which will make it easier to mix with the rest of the salad ingredients.
Make the Dressing
While the pasta is cooling, you can focus on preparing the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, hot honey, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level remember, the more you add, the spicier it gets! Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined, and set it aside. You want the dressing to have a good balance of sweetness from the honey and a kick from the heat.
Assemble the Salad
Once your pasta has cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, pearline mozzarella cheese, croutons, and a handful of fresh arugula and basil leaves. Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring everything is covered with that sweet and spicy goodness. Using tongs or a spoon, toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the dressing is evenly distributed. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed perhaps a little extra salt, pepper, or spice to make it just right!
Necessary Tools
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Whisk (for dressing)
- Large bowl (for mixing the salad)
- Spoon or tongs (for tossing the salad)
Hot Honey Pasta Salad
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
15
minutesTotal time
25
minutesIngredients
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tbsp hot honey (I used @mikeshothoney)
4 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste (I recommend a lot but you do you!)
For the Pasta Salad
1/2 box mezzi rigatoni
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup pearline mozzarella cheese
1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
A good handful of arugula and fresh basil
A drizzle of olive oil
Directions
- Cook the pasta Begin by cooking the mezzi rigatoni according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it in a colander. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking together, and let it cool for a bit.
- Make the dressing While the pasta cools, whisk together olive oil, hot honey, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and your choice of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You want a good balance of sweetness and heat here, so adjust the spice to your liking.
- Assemble the salad Once the pasta is cool, toss it into a large bowl. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, croutons, arugula, and basil. Pour the dressing over everything and give it a good toss so that all the ingredients are well coated. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve!
Notes
- Pasta cooling Make sure to let the pasta cool before mixing it with the dressing. Hot pasta can absorb too much of the dressing and make the salad soggy.
- Adjusting spice levels The amount of hot honey or pepper flakes can be adjusted to your taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, start small and add more gradually.
- Fresh herbs Make sure to add the fresh basil and arugula just before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant. You don’t want them wilting in the salad!
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Honey Pasta Salad is great on its own, but you can also serve it as a side dish to grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a fresh veggie platter. If you’re looking for a fun touch, sprinkle some extra croutons on top for added crunch. You could also serve it as part of a summer BBQ or picnic spread perfect for those sunny days!
Fun Fact
Did you know that honey has been used as a natural sweetener for thousands of years? It’s not just tasty, but also packed with antioxidants and has a ton of health benefits. Plus, the combo of honey and spicy ingredients can create a fun, bold flavor that people can’t stop talking about!
Conclusion
This Hot Honey Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. It’s easy to whip up, packs a punch, and makes the perfect addition to any summer meal or party. So, before pasta salad season slips away, give this recipe a try and watch it become your new favorite!
