Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ready to have the most popular dish at the barbecue? Dig into my Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad, made with crispy prosciutto, mozzarella, and fresh peaches. This dish is bright, flavorful, and super easy to make, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking for a unique side dish for your next potluck, this pasta salad will steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of hot honey, fresh peaches, and crispy prosciutto creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes of total cooking time, you can whip up this delicious salad without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta salad stores well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish at barbecues or serve it as a light main course. It’s great both cold and at room temperature!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Friends and family will rave about this unique take on pasta salad, ensuring you’ll be asked to bring it to every gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before we dive into making this delicious Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad, let’s gather our tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Glass measuring cup
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Sheet: A must-have for crisping up the prosciutto evenly in the oven.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Allows ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly together.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 32oz tortellini, cooked
• 4oz prosciutto
• 8oz pearl mozzarella balls
• 15oz can corn kernels
• 3 small peaches, diced into small chunks
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup basil, chopped

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup hot honey
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

How to Make Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cook Prosciutto

Place the prosciutto in a flat layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until crispy. Once done, set aside to cool.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked tortellini, pearl mozzarella balls, corn kernels, diced peaches, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.

Step 4: Add Crispy Prosciutto

Chop the cooled crispy prosciutto into small pieces. Add these bits to your tortellini mixture.

Step 5: Whisk Together Dressing

In a glass measuring cup, add all dressing ingredients in order as listed. Use a whisk to blend everything together until smooth.

Step 6: Dress Your Salad

Pour your dressing over the tortellini mixture. Toss gently until everything is well combined and evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve

This Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad can be served at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that shines at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a picnic, this pasta salad can be served in various delightful ways.

As a Main Dish

• A hearty option for lunch or dinner, this pasta salad can stand alone as a fulfilling main dish. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

At a Barbecue

• Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled meats. The sweet and spicy flavors complement barbecue favorites beautifully.

For Meal Prep

• Pack individual servings in containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week. It holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

With a Side of Greens

• Offer it with a fresh green salad. The crunch of greens adds texture and balances the richness of the tortellini.

As an Appetizer

• Present this pasta salad in small cups or bowls as a fun finger food at parties. Guests will love the burst of flavors in every bite.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

To achieve the ultimate Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh peaches and herbs elevate the flavor profile significantly, making your dish taste vibrant and delicious.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of hot honey or add regular honey for sweetness without heat.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
• Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Complement your Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad with these delicious side dishes:

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies grilled to perfection adds color and nutrition to your meal.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.
3. Caesar Salad: This classic salad adds crispness and tanginess that contrasts nicely with the sweet pasta salad.
4. Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of your pasta dish.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant appetizer that complements your main offering.
6. Caprese Salad: Simple yet flavorful, this salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil enhances the Italian theme of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using uncooked tortellini: Make sure to cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Undercooked pasta can ruin the texture of your salad.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Serve this dish at room temperature or cold. Serving it hot can alter the flavor and make it less refreshing.
• Skipping the dressing whisk: Ensure you whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly. A well-mixed dressing coats the salad evenly and enhances the flavor.
• Not chopping prosciutto well: Chop crispy prosciutto into small pieces for even distribution. Large chunks can overpower bites with too much saltiness.
• Omitting ingredient substitutions: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on availability, like using different cheeses or veggies, to keep it fresh and exciting.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep separate from dressing if possible for better texture.

Freezing Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the quality of ingredients like mozzarella and peaches.

Reheating Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, spread on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through. Stir between intervals.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad?

Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of tortellini pasta, crispy prosciutto, fresh vegetables, and a sweet spicy dressing made with hot honey.

How can I customize my Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad?

You can add different vegetables, such as bell peppers or cucumbers, or use various cheeses like feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add fresh basil right before serving.

Is Hot Honey necessary for this recipe?

While hot honey adds a unique sweetness and spice, you can use regular honey mixed with a bit of chili flakes if you prefer less heat.

Final Thoughts

The Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is not only vibrant and full of flavor but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or seasonal ingredients. Give this recipe a try—your friends and family will surely love it!