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 turkey slices, mozzarella, and fresh peaches. With a base made from tortellini, this dish is bright, flavorful, and super easy to make. Keep this recipe handy, because everyone will be begging for it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of hot honey, fresh peaches, and crispy turkey creates a unique taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can whip up this dish in just 40 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or family gathering, this pasta salad fits right in.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies or proteins to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Great for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it ideal for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: This is crucial for mixing all your ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for crisping up those turkey slices evenly in the oven.
• Whisk: A must-have for combining the dressing ingredients smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 32oz tortellini, cooked
• 4oz turkey slices
• 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 apple 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

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Turkey Slices

• Place turkey slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 10–15 minutes or until crispy. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl:
* Combine cooked tortellini, pearl mozzarella balls, corn kernels, diced peaches, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.

Step 4: Add Turkey

Chop the cooled crispy turkey slices into small pieces. Add them to the tortellini mixture.

Step 5: Whisk Together Dressing

In a glass measuring cup:
* Pour in extra virgin olive oil, hot honey, dijon mustard, red apple vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
* Whisk together until well combined.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the tortellini mixture. Toss until everything is well-coated. Serve at room temperature or chilled!

Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, this pasta salad will impress everyone at the table.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it as a light main course for lunch or dinner. Its hearty ingredients make it filling and satisfying.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken or beef. The flavors of the hot honey dressing complement the smoky taste of grilled meats beautifully.

At Potlucks or Picnics

• Bring this pasta salad to potlucks or picnics. It’s easy to transport and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.

In Meal Prep Containers

• Divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week. This dish stays fresh and flavorful, ideal for busy days.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

To make your Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad even better, consider these helpful tips for ensuring flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh peaches, tomatoes, and basil enhance the salad’s overall taste and give it a vibrant look.
• Customize your proteins – Feel free to swap in different proteins like grilled chicken or roasted turkey for variety.
• Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of hot honey in the dressing for a balanced flavor.
• Chill before serving – Letting the salad chill in the fridge for an hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Add nuts for crunch – Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.
• Experiment with herbs – Try adding other herbs like parsley or dill for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

Complement your Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad with these tasty side dishes that pair perfectly together.

1. Grilled Vegetables – A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled to perfection adds a smoky flavor to your meal.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine tossed with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provides a classic contrast.
3. Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread is great for soaking up any extra dressing left on your plate.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and brightness that balances the richness of the pasta salad.
5. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites of savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Skipping the cooking time: Ensure you cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Undercooked pasta can lead to a chewy texture, while overcooked pasta becomes mushy.

• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Use fresh peaches and basil for the best flavor. Wilted or overripe ingredients can detract from the salad’s overall taste and presentation.

• Not letting flavors meld: Allow your pasta salad to sit for at least 15 minutes after mixing it with the dressing. This resting time lets the flavors blend beautifully.

• Overdressing the salad: Start with less dressing than you think you’ll need, then add more as necessary. It’s easier to add more than to remove excess dressing that makes the dish soggy.

• Using low-quality olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of your Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad. Avoid cheap oils that may have undesirable tastes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Not recommended for freezing as it may alter the texture of the ingredients.
• Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350F and heat in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad.

Can I customize my Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or substitute different vegetables based on your preferences.

What type of tortellini should I use?

You can choose cheese-filled or spinach tortellini. Both types work wonderfully in this hot honey pasta salad recipe.

How spicy is hot honey?

Hot honey varies by brand; however, it typically has a mild heat level that complements sweet and savory dishes without overwhelming them.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Making this salad a few hours before serving allows flavors to develop. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adapt it with seasonal vegetables or different dressings based on your taste. Try this recipe at your next gathering or meal prep session; it’s sure to impress!

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Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish to elevate your summer gatherings. This vibrant salad features tender tortellini tossed with crispy turkey slices, creamy mozzarella, and juicy peaches, all drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey dressing. Not only does this dish burst with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for picnics or barbecues. With its colorful ingredients and delightful texture, this pasta salad will quickly become a favorite at any table. Serve it as a light main dish or a refreshing side; either way, it’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 32 oz tortellini (cooked)
• 4 oz turkey slices
• 8 oz pearl mozzarella balls
• 15 oz can corn kernels
• 3 small peaches (diced)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (sliced)
• 1/2 cup basil (chopped)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup hot honey
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp red apple vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange turkey slices on the baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes until crispy. Allow them to cool before chopping.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked tortellini, mozzarella balls, corn, diced peaches, sliced tomatoes, and chopped basil.
4. In a glass measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, hot honey, dijon mustard, red apple vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the chopped turkey to the salad mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss until well combined.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 25mg