As the sun starts shining brighter and the days grow longer, I find myself craving dishes that celebrate the season’s fresh flavors. Enter my Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad—a vibrant delight that has quickly become my go-to for summer gatherings. Picture this: you take a bite and the sweet juiciness of peaches mingles with chewy tortellini, while crispy prosciutto adds a savory crunch that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary. And let’s not forget the hot honey dressing that perfectly balances sweet and spicy, effortlessly making it a standout dish at any potluck or barbecue.
A friend introduced me to this recipe after I stumbled upon a forgotten pack of tortellini in my pantry; it felt like rediscovering a hidden treasure! Now, whenever I whip it up, it feels like a celebration of flavor and texture, making meal prep feel deliciously indulgent rather than a chore. Gather your ingredients, and let’s create a summer staple that you, your family, and friends will adore!
Why is Tortellini Pasta Salad a Must-Try?
Vibrant Flavors: This dish bursts with the sweetness of peaches and the savory crunch of prosciutto, delivering a delightful medley for your taste buds.
Easy Meal Prep: Perfect for busy weeks, it can be made ahead of time and stays fresh in the fridge for several days.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap peaches for nectarines or check out more salad options in our meal prep section.
Crowd-Pleasing: Bring it to summer barbecues, and watch it disappear as guests rave over its unique twist.
Healthy and Nut-Free: This pasta salad is a nutritious choice, crafted without nuts, accommodating various dietary needs.
Quick Assembly: With minimal cooking involved, you’ll have a stunning dish ready in no time.
Tortellini Pasta Salad Ingredients
• Get ready to assemble a fresh summer delight!
For the Salad
- Tortellini – Cooked tortellini serves as the hearty base of this pasta salad.
- Prosciutto – Crispy prosciutto adds a satisfying salty crunch that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Mozzarella Balls – Creamy mozzarella pearls bring a delightful softness to each bite.
- Corn Kernels – Sweet corn provides vibrant color and a juicy pop to the salad.
- Peaches – Diced peaches contribute juicy sweetness, giving the dish its signature taste.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sliced cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and brighten the mix.
- Fresh Basil – Aromatic basil offers a refreshing herbal note that enhances the overall taste.
For the Dressing
- Olive Oil – A rich base for the dressing that enhances the overall flavors.
- Hot Honey – This sweet and spicy ingredient adds a unique kick, making the tortellini pasta salad unforgettable.
- Dijon Mustard – Tangy Dijon mustard deepens the flavor profile of the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Bright acid that balances the richness of the olive oil and honey.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the dressing with aromatic goodness.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and elevating all the flavors in your pasta salad.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful tortellini pasta salad that embodies the freshness of summer!
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an easy cleanup when baking.
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Bake the Prosciutto: Lay prosciutto in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on it until it turns crispy and golden brown.
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Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your cooked tortellini, creamy mozzarella balls, sweet corn, diced peaches, sliced cherry tomatoes, and aromatic chopped basil. This mix will create a beautiful, colorful salad.
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Chop the Prosciutto: Once baked, chop the crispy prosciutto into small pieces. Add it to the salad mixture for that savory crunch every bite needs.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, hot honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the dressing is smooth.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is well coated. This elevates the flavors to their peak perfection!
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Serve or Chill: You can serve the salad immediately at room temperature, or for enhanced flavors, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Optional: Drizzle a bit more hot honey on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides and pairings that complement this vibrant summer dish.
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Grilled Chicken Breasts: Juicy and smoky, grilled chicken adds protein and pairs beautifully with the tangy flavors of the salad.
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Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on a skewer create a refreshing bite that mirrors the salad’s ingredients.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery goodness of garlic bread offers a satisfying contrast, perfect for scooping up the salad.
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Watermelon Feta Salad: A sweet and salty salad adds a refreshing twist that balances the spiciness of the hot honey dressing.
Rich in colors and tastes, this pairing creates a sensory experience that brings joy to your table.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: A crisp, cool beverage like lemonade or lightly sweetened iced tea serves as a perfect refreshment to accompany the flavors.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note; the classic, comforting flavors of cookies create a delightful finale.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the tortellini and bake the prosciutto up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to save time on busy days. Store the tortellini and prosciutto separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their texture. Additionally, you can chop fresh ingredients like peaches, tomatoes, and basil up to 3 days ahead; just be sure to refrigerate them in separate containers to keep everything fresh. When ready to serve, simply combine all the prepped ingredients, make the hot honey dressing just before tossing, and you’ll have a vibrant dish ready to impress with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Tortellini Pasta Salad
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Crispy Prosciutto: Bake the prosciutto until it’s gloriously crisp; this ensures a beautiful textural contrast in your tortellini pasta salad.
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Freshness is Key: Use ripe peaches for the sweetest flavor; they elevate the salad and make it a true summer delight.
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Prep Ahead: For meal prep, store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge until serving to keep everything fresh.
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Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning of your dressing by tasting; slight tweaks can transform your pasta salad into a flavor bomb!
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Add a Crunch: Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds if you want some crunch, but remember this dish is nut-free as is.
How to Store and Freeze Tortellini Pasta Salad
Fridge: Store the tortellini pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the ingredients remain fresh and ready for quick meals.
Dressing Storage: Keep the hot honey dressing separate if possible until you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Store dressing in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer: While not recommended for best texture, you can freeze the salad without dressing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding the dressing.
Reheating: If you prefer warm pasta salad, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil to restore moisture.
Tortellini Pasta Salad Variations
Feel free to mix and match and create a unique version that suits your taste and pantry!
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the prosciutto and add grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers for a flavorful veggie twist.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the dressing for an extra layer of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet honey.
- Herb Boost: Blend in fresh herbs like dill or mint to elevate the salad’s freshness and add complexity to the flavor profile.
- Grain Addition: Mix in cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and a nutritious boost to make your salad even heartier.
- Fruit Variation: Replace peaches with seasonal fruits like diced mango or strawberries to give the salad a fresh, fruity twist.
- Nutty Crunch: For those who aren’t nut-free, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime juice to the dressing for a bright tang that enhances all the flavors in the salad.
Embrace your inner chef and have fun customizing this tantalizing tortellini pasta salad!
Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs
How should I choose ripe peaches for the salad?
Absolutely! When selecting peaches, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma; they should have a warm, golden color. Avoid peaches with dark spots all over, as these can indicate overripeness. If you can’t find ripe peaches, feel free to swap them with nectarines or apricots to maintain that juicy sweetness!
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How should I store leftover tortellini pasta salad?
For sure! Store the tortellini pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the ingredients fresh and ideal for quick meals. If you’re prepping for the week, I recommend keeping the hot honey dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Can I freeze tortellini pasta salad?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that freezing isn’t usually recommended for salads with fresh ingredients. You can freeze the tortellini pasta salad without the dressing for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Once thawed, mix in the dressing for the best flavors and texture.
What should I do if my dressing separates?
Very! It’s common for dressings to separate, especially if made ahead of time. If this happens, just whisk it again before pouring it over your salad. If you prefer, you can also shake the dressing in a sealed jar to mix everything beautifully again. This ensures a well-coated, flavorful tortellini pasta salad!
Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?
Yes! This tortellini pasta salad is nut-free, making it an excellent choice for those with nut allergies. Just double-check any packaged ingredients, like prosciutto or cheese, to ensure they’re also free from cross-contamination. It’s a versatile dish that all guests can enjoy!
How can I make this pasta salad more filling?
Great question! If you’re looking to make the tortellini pasta salad even heartier, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost. You can also toss in some toasted chickpeas or black beans for added texture and nutrition. The more, the merrier, right?
Zesty Tortellini Pasta Salad with Hot Honey Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay prosciutto in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, mozzarella balls, corn, diced peaches, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.
- Chop the baked prosciutto and add to the salad mixture.
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, hot honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.