Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner? Try This Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad.
It combines the cheesy goodness of tortellini with a sweet-spicy hot honey dressing, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs.
It’s a flavor-packed recipe that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Let’s dive into this irresistible pasta salad that balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Flavor: The hot honey dressing adds just the right mix of sweet and spicy, making the cheesy tortellini and fresh veggies taste even better.
Fast and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes—great for busy nights or when you need something quick.
Flexible: You can serve it warm, cold, or at room temperature, so it works for any event.
Easy to Change: Switch out ingredients to match your taste or diet (more tips below!).
Great for Prep: Make it ahead of time to save stress later—perfect for meal prep or parties.
Everyone Loves It: The bold flavors make it a favorite at cookouts, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen, cooked according to package instructions)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for extra tang)
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds (for crunch)
Hot Honey Dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp honey
1-2 tsp chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh or 5-7 minutes for frozen). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness as needed.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and fresh basil. Pour the hot honey dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and roasted sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for a refreshing cold salad.
Tips
Adjust the Spice: Start with 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and add more if you like it spicier. For extra heat, try a little cayenne pepper.
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Follow the directions on the package and cook it just right. Rinse with cold water so it stays firm.
Use Fresh Herbs: Basil gives a fresh, summer taste. You can also use parsley or mint for a different flavor.
Add Color: Use bright veggies like yellow peppers or shredded carrots to make the salad look great.
Taste the Dressing First: Try the hot honey dressing before mixing it in. Adjust the honey or vinegar if you want it sweeter or more tangy.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
Veggie Swaps: Try zucchini, roasted eggplant, or arugula for different textures and flavors.
Cheese Options: Swap feta for goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or shaved Parmesan.
Nut-Free Crunch: Replace sunflower seeds with toasted pine nuts or omit for a nut-free version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Vegan Version: Opt for vegan tortellini and skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Picnics and Potlucks: Serve chilled in a large bowl with a side of crusty bread or pita.
Weeknight Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
BBQ Side Dish: Complement grilled meats or veggie skewers with this sweet-spicy salad.
Lunch on the Go: Pack into mason jars for a portable, make-ahead lunch.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toss with a little extra olive oil before serving to refresh the flavors.
For best results, add delicate ingredients like fresh basil or feta just before serving to maintain their texture.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended, as the tortellini and fresh vegetables may become soggy upon thawing.
If you must freeze, use only cooked tortellini and dressing, then add fresh veggies after thawing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought hot honey instead of making the dressing?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought hot honey works great. Mix 3 tbsp hot honey with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt for a quick dressing.
Q: How can I make this salad less spicy?
A: Reduce the chili flakes to 1/2 tsp or omit them entirely for a milder, sweet dressing. You can also add more honey to balance the heat.
Q: Can I serve this warm?
A: Yes! Toss the warm tortellini with the dressing and veggies for a cozy, warm salad. It’s just as delicious.
Q: What type of tortellini works best?
A: Cheese tortellini is classic, but spinach, mushroom, or mixed cheese tortellini also work well. Fresh tortellini cooks faster, while frozen is budget-friendly.
Q: Is this salad kid-friendly?
A: For kids, reduce or skip the chili flakes and use a mild dressing. The cheesy tortellini and colorful veggies are usually a hit!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish—vibrant, flavorful, and easy to whip up for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, packing a picnic, or just craving a fresh and exciting meal, this salad delivers with its sweet-spicy dressing and cheesy tortellini goodness.
With endless customization options and make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Try it today and watch it become a favorite in your household!
Read More:- Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad
Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- Hot Honey Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1-2 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Whisk together olive oil, honey, chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and basil. Toss with dressing.
- Top with feta (if using) and sunflower seeds.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes.
