Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta salad that’s anything but ordinary, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini mingling with sweet peaches, juicy tomatoes, bursts of corn, creamy mozzarella, and crispy prosciutto, all tied together with a luscious, sweet-and-spicy hot honey dressing. It’s vibrant, playful, and packs a punch of flavors that are irresistible whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply jazzing up a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is a total stunner with a handful of simple components; each one adds its unique flair to the Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad. Tossed together, they create a bowl of colors, flavors, and textures you’ll crave long after the last bite!

• Cheese tortellini (32oz): These pillowy bites soak up every drop of the punchy dressing, so cook them just to al dente for the best texture.
• Prosciutto (4oz): Baking prosciutto until crispy adds the most addictive salty crunch to the salad.
• Pearl mozzarella balls (8oz): Creamy, bite-sized, and mild – they bring a cool contrast to the spicy-sweet flavors.
• Canned corn kernels (15oz): Sweet and golden, corn brightens the salad and gives it an enjoyable pop.
• Peaches (3 small, diced): The juicy sweetness of fresh peaches is the summer secret that takes this pasta salad over the top.
• Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, sliced): They add gorgeous color and a burst of tangy freshness.
• Fresh basil (1/2 cup, chopped): This herb brings everything together with its fragrance and vibrant green appeal.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): Rich and smooth, it’s the foundation of that unforgettable dressing.
• Hot honey (1/3 cup): Spicy, sticky, and sweet – this is the game-changing ingredient that gives the Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad its unique kick.
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): A little tang and zip that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Red wine vinegar (3 tbsp): Adds the perfect bright acidity to keep the flavors lively.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dressing with just the right amount of bite.
• Salt (1 tsp): Brings out all the flavors.
• Pepper (1/2 tsp): A final touch of warmth and spice.

How to Make Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Crisp the Prosciutto

Start by heating your oven to 400°F and prepping a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out the prosciutto in a single, flat layer so every piece gets evenly crispy. It should take about 10 to 15 minutes — keep an eye on it, and when it’s golden and brittle, you’re ready to go. Once cooled, this prosciutto will add an unforgettable salty crunch!

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Grab your largest mixing bowl — trust me, you’ll want the space! Add the cooked and cooled tortellini, mozzarella balls, drained corn, diced peaches, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Already the colors pop, but just wait till you see everything tossed together.

Step 3: Chop and Add the Prosciutto

Once the prosciutto is cool enough to handle, roughly chop it into small, crispy shards. Sprinkle it right over the tortellini mixture. That crunch is going to mingle perfectly with the creamy and juicy elements in the bowl.

Step 4: Whisk the Hot Honey Dressing

Now, in a glass measuring cup or small bowl, add the extra virgin olive oil, hot honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in the order listed. Whisk everything until smooth and luscious — taste and adjust to your liking if need be! This dressing is absolute magic for Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dreamy dressing over your bowl of tortellini and veggies. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently but thoroughly toss until everything is evenly coated. Every noodle, every chunk of peach — you want them all glistening!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

This salad is delicious served right away at room temperature, but it’s also fantastic chilled. If you let it sit a bit, the flavors meld even more, making Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad a fabulous make-ahead option for any occasion!

How to Serve Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Go wild with garnishes! A fresh sprinkle of chopped basil is classic, but you can also shower on extra crispy prosciutto shards or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. A drizzle of extra hot honey right before serving gives the salad shiny appeal and extra flavor pop.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is filling enough to be the star of the show, but it’s also glorious alongside simple grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or crusty artisan bread. For a summer barbecue, it pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a zippy arugula salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off those beautiful colors by serving Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad on a big platter or layered in a clear glass bowl. For parties, portion into small mason jars or cups for grab-and-go picnic servings — guests will love the playful presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The dressing actually gets better as it soaks into the tortellini and veggies! It will keep well for up to 3 days, staying fresh and bright with each bite.

Freezing

Freezing is not the best option for this salad, as tortellini and mozzarella tend to lose their luscious texture after thawing, and the veggies and peaches may become too soft. For best results, enjoy it within a few days of making it.

Reheating

If you prefer your pasta salad closer to room temperature, just let it sit out for 20 to 30 minutes after removing from the fridge and give it a gentle toss before serving. No need to microwave — it’s tastiest when chilled or at room temp!

FAQs

Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

Absolutely! If you only have regular honey on hand, simply stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This mimics that signature sweet heat that makes the Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad so irresistible.

What can I substitute for prosciutto?

Crispy bacon or pancetta are excellent alternatives if you want that savory crunch. For a vegetarian version, try smoked almonds or toasted pine nuts for texture and umami goodness.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can assemble the entire salad (except the crispy prosciutto) up to 1 day in advance. Just add the prosciutto and give it a fresh toss right before serving for maximum crunch and flavor!

Can I swap out the peaches for another fruit?

Yes! Nectarines, mango, or even strawberries can stand in for peaches, bringing their own sweetness to the Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad. Choose ripe, juicy fruit for the best contrast with the spicy dressing.

Is this salad kid-friendly with the hot honey?

Many kids love the balance of sweet and spicy, but you can always dial back the hot honey or use regular honey if you’re worried it’ll be too spicy for little ones. You’re in control of the heat!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dish that’s so easy yet so memorable, and the Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is just that. Let your creativity shine with every bowlful and don’t hesitate to experiment — you never know, it might become everyone’s favorite picnic, party, or dinner table staple, too! Give it a try and savor every spicy-sweet, utterly satisfying bite!

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