Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad: Sweet, Spicy & Irresistibly Delicious
Imagine a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed recipe that elevates traditional pasta salads to a whole new level. Creamy cheese-filled tortellini is tossed with crisp vegetables, drizzled with sticky, sweet hot honey, and finished with fresh herbs, creating a harmonious explosion of flavors and textures.
This dish is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners. The playful combination of heat from the chili-infused honey and the richness of the tortellini makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s equally comforting and exciting. Beyond its taste, this pasta salad is visually appealing with bright pops of color from bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh greens, making it as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese tortellini (store-bought or homemade) | 12 oz (340 g) | 400 |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved | 30 |
| Red bell pepper | 1, diced | 40 |
| Cucumber | 1, diced | 16 |
| Red onion | 1/4 cup, thinly sliced | 12 |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup, chopped | 5 |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | 360 |
| Hot honey | 2 tbsp | 120 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | 4 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 2 |
| Crumbled feta (optional) | 1/4 cup | 100 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the tortellini is cooking, chop cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and fresh basil.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, hot honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled tortellini with chopped vegetables, basil, and crumbled feta (if using).
- Add Dressing: Pour the hot honey dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss until everything is coated evenly.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of hot honey if desired.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu make this salad more filling.
- Switch Up Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, corn, or spinach can be added for variety.
- Adjust Heat: Use more or less hot honey depending on your spice preference.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan tortellini and skip feta or replace with a vegan alternative.
- Add Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or almonds add texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | Varies by salt and feta |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for a refreshing summer dish.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Great as a side for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Ideal for picnic or potluck presentations, as it travels well and looks vibrant.
Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad: Sweet, Spicy & Irresistibly Delicious
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes300
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Cheese tortellinit12 oz (340 g)
Cherry tomatoes, halvedt1 cup
Red bell pepper, dicedt1
Cucumber, dicedt1
Red onion, thinly slicedt1/4 cup
Fresh basil, choppedt1/4 cup
Olive oilt3 tbsp
Hot honeyt2 tbsp
Lemon juicet1 tbsp
SalttTo taste
Black peppertTo taste
Crumbled feta (optional)t1/4 cup
Directions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, hot honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large bowl, toss cooled tortellini with chopped vegetables and crumbled feta (if using).
- Add Dressing: Pour the hot honey dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of hot honey before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pasta Water Tip: Since this pasta salad is served chilled, there’s no need to reserve pasta water. Just rinse the tortellini under cold water to stop cooking.
Adjust the Heat: Hot honey varies in spiciness. Start with less if you prefer mild heat, and add more to taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and vibrant.
2. Can I use a different type of tortellini?
Absolutely. Cheese tortellini works best, but you can also use spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled tortellini based on your preference.
3. How spicy is the hot honey?
The heat is mild and sweet, but you can adjust the amount of hot honey to make it spicier or milder according to your taste.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Use vegan tortellini and skip the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
5. What vegetables work best in this salad?
Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion are ideal. You can also add roasted zucchini, corn, or spinach for variety.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will impress anyone at the table. Sweet, spicy, and savory notes make each bite a delicious adventure, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness. Easy to prepare and customizable, this pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings, lunchboxes, or a flavorful weeknight dinner. With its combination of indulgence and freshness, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
