Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is a bold, sweet-and-savory twist on classic pasta salad. Cheese-filled tortellini form the base, tossed with crispy prosciutto, juicy peaches, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and creamy mozzarella. Finished with a hot honey Dijon vinaigrette, this vibrant dish balances heat, sweetness, and tang in every bite—making it a guaranteed barbecue favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Spicy Flavor Combo – Hot honey adds subtle heat and balance.
- Perfect for Summer Gatherings – Bright, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.
- Great Texture Contrast – Crispy prosciutto, tender pasta, juicy fruit.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors deepen as it chills.
- Balanced & Fresh – Sweet peaches and fresh basil brighten the dish.
- Versatile Side or Main – Works for BBQs or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad
- 32 oz tortellini, cooked al dente – Provides hearty, cheesy base.
- 4 oz prosciutto – Bakes into crispy, salty crunch.
- 8 oz pearl mozzarella balls – Adds creamy richness.
- 15 oz can corn kernels, drained – Sweet pop of texture.
- 3 small peaches, diced – Fresh sweetness and juiciness.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved – Bright acidity.
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped – Fresh herbal finish.
For the Hot Honey Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – Forms the dressing base.
- ⅓ cup hot honey – Adds sweetness with gentle heat.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Emulsifies and adds depth.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar – Provides acidity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds subtle spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crisp the Prosciutto
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange prosciutto in a single layer. Bake 10–15 minutes until crisp. Cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Base
Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, add tortellini, mozzarella balls, corn, diced peaches, cherry tomatoes, basil, and chopped prosciutto.
Make the Dressing
In a glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together olive oil, hot honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Toss and Serve
Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Cook Tortellini Al Dente – Prevents mushy texture.
- Cool Pasta Slightly Before Tossing – Protects fresh ingredients.
- Drain Corn Thoroughly – Avoid excess moisture.
- Use Ripe but Firm Peaches – Prevents overly soft texture.
- Add Dressing Gradually – Adjust to preference.
- Chill for 30 Minutes – Enhances flavor melding.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 10 (1 cup each)
- Estimated Calories: Approximately 400–450 kcal per serving (varies by brand and portion size)
Perfect Pairings
- Grilled Chicken or Steak – Makes a complete meal.
- Burgers or Hot Dogs – Ideal barbecue side.
- Fresh Lemonade or Iced Tea – Balances sweet heat.
- Mixed Greens Salad – Adds extra freshness.
Ideal Occasions
- Summer BBQs – Bright and crowd-friendly.
- Potlucks – Unique and memorable.
- Picnics – Travels well.
- Meal Prep Lunches – Holds up in the fridge.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Refrigerate Airtight – Keeps up to 3 days.
- Store Prosciutto Separately for Max Crispness – Add before serving if desired.
- Stir Before Serving – Dressing may settle.
- Serve Slightly Chilled or Room Temperature – Best flavor balance.
Creative Variations to Try
- Add Arugula – Peppery bite.
- Swap Peaches for Nectarines – Similar sweetness.
- Use Burrata Instead of Mozzarella – Extra creaminess.
- Make It Spicier – Add crushed red pepper flakes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too Sweet – Add extra red wine vinegar.
- Too Spicy – Add more olive oil or mozzarella.
- Watery Salad – Drain corn and tomatoes thoroughly.
- Prosciutto Softening – Add just before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This pasta salad works because it balances contrasting flavors and textures. The cheese-filled tortellini provide richness and structure, while peaches and corn contribute natural sweetness. Hot honey adds layered sweetness with gentle heat, balanced by the acidity of red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. Crispy prosciutto introduces salty crunch, and basil adds freshness. The emulsified dressing evenly coats the pasta, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad is the kind of bold, vibrant dish that steals the spotlight at any gathering. Sweet, spicy, creamy, and crisp all at once, it’s a recipe that surprises in the best way. Keep it in your summer rotation—because once people try it, they’ll ask for it again and again.
