When the sun blazes high and the air hums with the sound of cicadas, there’s nothing more satisfying than gathering around a picnic table with family and friends, sharing dishes that feel like summer on a plate. One of my favorite contributions to these sunny gatherings is Hot Honey Pasta Salad, a dish that brings together the warmth of honey, a playful kick of spice, and the comforting familiarity of pasta.

This pasta salad isn’t just another side dish—it tells a story. Inspired by the Southern tradition of pairing sweet and spicy flavors, and by childhood memories of sticky honey biscuits at family cookouts, this recipe marries nostalgia with a modern twist. I remember watching my grandmother drizzle honey over everything from cornbread to fried chicken, and this salad feels like a love letter to those simple but bold flavors.

Whether you’re packing it up for a picnic, laying it out at a barbecue, or making it ahead for a lazy weeknight dinner, this Hot Honey Pasta Salad is vibrant, flavorful, and impossible to forget. With tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh greens, and a drizzle of spicy honey vinaigrette, it’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Sweet-Spicy Balance: It’s not every day you find a pasta salad that’s both comforting and exciting—this one hits both notes with a sweet honey base and a warming kick of chili flakes.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce, it comes together easily without sacrificing taste.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunch for the week, this dish keeps well and tastes even better after the flavors mingle.
• Customizable & Adaptable: Swap the pepperoni for turkey ham, add grilled chicken, or toss in extra veggies—the possibilities are endless.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls
• 1 cup turkey ham, diced (instead of pepperoni)
• 2 cups baby arugula
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the Hot Honey Dressing:

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

HOW TO MAKE HOT HONEY PASTA SALAD:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly—this step also helps prevent sticking. As I stand at the sink with the colander steaming, I always think back to my mom reminding me not to skip the cold rinse for pasta salads; it locks in that perfect, springy texture.
2. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl or a mason jar with a lid, combine the honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk (or shake) until the dressing is smooth and glossy. The smell of warm honey and zesty lemon mingling always brings a smile—such a simple dressing, but it tastes like it took hours.

1. Toss the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, diced turkey ham, and chopped basil. Pour the dressing over the mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss everything until evenly coated.
2. Fold in the Greens: Just before serving, gently fold in the arugula to keep its texture crisp and fresh. The arugula adds a peppery bite that balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey.
3. Serve or Chill: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld even more. I love serving it slightly chilled, when the dressing clings to the pasta and every bite feels refreshing yet indulgent.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder salad, start with a pinch of red pepper flakes and taste before adding more.
• Other Pasta Options: Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells can be used instead of bowties—just aim for something that holds onto the dressing well.
• Make Ahead: This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply fold in the arugula right before serving so it stays crisp.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossed
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal-friendly

NOTES:

• For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey ham or substitute with roasted chickpeas for protein and crunch.
• Leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day; just add a squeeze of lemon before serving to freshen it up.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 17g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a different green instead of arugula?
Yes! Baby spinach or mixed spring greens work well, though they’ll be milder in flavor.

Does it need to be served cold?
It’s traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, but if you love warm pasta salads, you can skip the rinse and enjoy it slightly warm.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but add fresh greens just before serving to avoid wilting.

RELATED RECIPES:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Crispy Chicken Avocado Honey Mustard Salad
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
• One-Pan Balsamic Chicken

CONCLUSION:

Whether you’re making it for a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or simply as a fun weekday dinner, Hot Honey Pasta Salad will quickly become a staple in your summer recipe collection. With every forkful, you’ll taste the story of sweet honey, a hint of heat, and the simple joy of sharing food that’s made with love.

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