Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that will steal the show at any summer picnic or weeknight dinner. Juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, and sweet corn mingle with pillowy tortellini, all brought together by a tangy, spicy-sweet hot honey vinaigrette. This salad is a riot of flavors and textures that balances just the right amount of heat with fresh, sunny vibes. Every bite is like a burst of summer in a bowl, making this a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but special ingredients is part of the fun – each one brings something important to the table. Whether it’s texture, color, or a punch of flavor, every element in Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad earns its place in the bowl.

• Tortellini (32oz, cooked): These soft, cheesy pillows are the foundation, soaking up every drop of the vibrant dressing.
• Prosciutto (4oz): Baking this until crispy gives you delicious salty bites that contrast beautifully with the tender pasta and sweet fruit.
• Pearl mozzarella balls (8oz): Creamy little bursts that make every forkful extra satisfying, and they pair perfectly with both peaches and tomatoes.
• Canned corn kernels (15oz): Sweet, crunchy corn brings color and an unmistakable summer vibe.
• Peaches (3 small, diced): These add juicy sweetness that’s absolutely irresistible mixed with spicy honey and tangy vinaigrette.
• Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, sliced): Little pops of acidity and color, they keep the salad bright and fresh-tasting.
• Basil (1/2 cup, chopped): Fragrant and green, fresh basil lifts the whole dish with its herbaceous aroma.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): The backbone of the dressing, giving it a rich, silky texture.
• Hot honey (1/3 cup): This is what makes it a “Hot Honey” Tortellini Pasta Salad – sweet heat that ties the dish together!
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Adds tangy depth and a little bite to the dressing.
• Red wine vinegar (3 tbsp): Introduces brightness and a gentle kick of acid for balance.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Intensifies the savory notes and fragrance throughout the salad.
• Salt (1 tsp): Essential for bringing out all the individual flavors.
• Pepper (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the dressing with a mild heat that complements the hot honey.

How to Make Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Crisp the Prosciutto

Preheat your oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay out the prosciutto in a single layer and pop it in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until it’s golden and crackling. Let it cool while you prep the rest of the ingredients; it’ll crisp up beautifully as it sits.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, add the cooked tortellini, mozzarella balls, drained corn, diced peaches, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. From the start, you’ll see all those gorgeous colors and fresh ingredients come together – it’s a feast for the eyes and soon for your tastebuds!

Step 3: Chop and Add the Prosciutto

Once the prosciutto has cooled and turned irresistibly crunchy, chop it into small bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them over the salad so every forkful gets that salty, savory pop that makes Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad extra special.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Hot Honey Dressing

Grab a glass measuring cup or small mixing bowl and add the extra virgin olive oil, hot honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper – in that order. Whisk vigorously until the mixture turns silky and slightly thickened; taste and adjust seasoning if you’d like a bolder kick or a bit more sweetness.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Pour the dressing generously over the tortellini mixture. Give everything a big, gentle toss until all ingredients are evenly coated and glistening. This is where all the magic happens – every nook of pasta fills with sweet, spicy, tangy flavor, while the basil and peaches brighten every bite.

Step 6: Chill or Serve

Serve your Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad at room temperature if you can’t wait another second, or chill it in the fridge for an hour if you prefer a colder, slightly firmer salad. Either way, it’ll be a total hit!

How to Serve Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Top your salad with a few extra torn basil leaves, an extra drizzle of hot honey, or even some lemon zest. The fresh herbs give it a fragrant lift, and a touch more honey will amp up the sweet-and-spicy notes right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to be the main event, but if you want to round out your meal, pair it with grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or a simple green salad. These sides echo the freshness of the Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad and create a well-rounded, satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in a large shallow platter for a family-style feast, or spoon portions into individual bowls and garnish with a skewer of mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes for a playful touch. You can even serve it in lettuce cups for an extra burst of freshness and a fun handheld appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even better as they meld together, and the pasta holds up nicely thanks to the rich dressing.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the creamy mozzarella and tender peaches change texture quite a bit after thawing. Enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days for the best experience!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat. Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad tastes fantastic straight from the fridge or after resting at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If you’ve just taken it from the fridge, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad in advance?

Absolutely! It’s actually a great make-ahead dish, as the flavors improve as they sit. Just refrigerate it in a sealed container and toss in a little extra basil or hot honey before serving if desired.

What can I use instead of hot honey?

If you can’t find hot honey, simply combine regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This way, you can control the level of heat to your liking.

Are there gluten-free options for this salad?

Many stores now carry gluten-free tortellini. Just swap those in for the regular tortellini and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Can I substitute other fruits for peaches?

Definitely! Nectarines, mangoes, or even strawberries can stand in for peaches if you’re feeling adventurous or want to use what’s in season. The fruity burst pairs well with the savory and spicy elements of the salad.

Is Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad kid-friendly?

Most kids love the sweet pasta and creamy cheese, and you can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of hot honey in the dressing if needed. It’s a big hit with the whole family!

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making and eating Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad as I do sharing it. The combination of flavors is unexpectedly delightful, and it’s the kind of dish that’s impossible not to crave. Give it a try at your next gathering or just as a treat for yourself – it might just become the star of your summer table!

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