Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant celebration of summer flavors-sweet peaches, briny mozzarella, and crisp prosciutto all come together in a creamy, spicy-sweet dressing that makes every bite irresistible. It's the kind of dish you'll want to take to picnics, potlucks, or even just enjoy al fresco in your own backyard. The hot honey adds just the right amount of heat to balance the richness, while the fresh basil and tomatoes bring a bright, garden-fresh finish. It's comfort food with a playful twist, perfect for warm evenings when you want something light but deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
32 ozcooked tortellini
4 ozprosciutto
8 ozpearl mozzarella balls
15 ozcan corn kernels
3 smallpeaches, diced into small chunks
2 cupscherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cupchopped basil
1/2 cupextra virgin olive oil
1/3 cuphot honey
1 tbspDijon mustard
3 tbspred wine vinegar
2 clovesgarlic, minced
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper
Nutrition
320 caloriesCalories
Per serving · Values are estimates
Instructions
1
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the prosciutto out flat on the sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, until it’s nice and crispy. Let it cool, then set it aside.
2
In a big bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, mozzarella balls, corn, sliced peaches, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
3
Snip the crispy prosciutto into small bits with kitchen shears or a knife, then scatter them over the tortellini mix.
4
In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, hot honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until it’s smooth and well blended.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything until every piece is lightly coated. Serve it at room temperature or pop it in the fridge for a chilled bowl—either way it’s delicious.
Essential Tips
For extra crunch, swap prosciutto for crispy pancetta and roast it at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until it's golden and shatteringly crisp.
Use a mix of yellow and white peaches for a beautiful color contrast and a balance of sweetness and tang in every bite.
If you can't find hot honey, whisk together 1/2 cup regular honey with 1 tsp chili flakes and a pinch of smoked paprika for a DIY version.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortellini will absorb the dressing over time, so add a splash of olive oil or a drizzle of hot honey before serving to refresh the flavors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the salad without the dressing up to a day ahead, then add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, but the tortellini stays plump and the peaches don't get soggy.
What are some good substitutions for hot honey?
If you can't find hot honey, you can mix 1/2 cup honey with 1 tsp chili flakes and a pinch of smoked paprika for a similar heat and depth. Alternatively, use sriracha or chili crisp mixed into regular honey for extra texture.
Can this salad be made vegetarian or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the prosciutto for roasted almonds or crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian version, and use dairy-free mozzarella balls or omit the cheese entirely. The rest of the ingredients will still shine, especially with the sweet-spicy dressing.
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