Go Back
Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

A vibrant and easy-to-make pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey vinaigrette, mixed with fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Mix-ins
  • 16 oz Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini Cooked according to package directions
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup English Cucumber Diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Sliced
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Chopped
Hot Honey Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 3 tbsp Honey
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Sriracha or Chili Flakes Adjust to preferred spice level
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Prepare the hot honey vinaigrette: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, honey, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Sriracha (or chili flakes), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is emulsified and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary (add more honey for sweetness or Sriracha for heat).
  4. Add the halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the cooled tortellini.
  5. Pour the prepared hot honey vinaigrette over the tortellini and vegetables. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. For best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the tortellini to absorb the vinaigrette.

Notes

This salad is excellent made ahead of time. For an added protein boost, toss in 1 cup of diced grilled chicken or crumbled feta cheese with the mix-ins.