Go Back

Honey Mustard Pasta Salad

A vibrant, crowd-pleasing pasta salad with a creamy, sweet-tangy honey mustard dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 12 oz rotini, cavatappi, or small shells pasta Short, ridged pasta holds dressing best.
  • 1 tsp salt For boiling pasta.
Dressing Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard Base of the dressing.
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard Optional for milder flavor.
  • 3 tbsp honey For sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice For brightness.
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil or olive oil To smooth out the dressing.
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayonnaise For creaminess.
Vegetable Ingredients
  • 1 cup bell pepper, chopped For added texture.
  • 1 cup cucumber, chopped For crunch.
  • 1/2 cup red onion, chopped For flavor.
  • 1 cup celery, chopped For crunch.
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives), chopped For freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Cook the pasta until just past al dente, drain, and rinse under cool water.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, vinegar or lemon juice, oil, and yogurt or mayo.
  4. Taste and adjust the dressing for balance.
Mixing
  1. Toss warm pasta with part of the dressing to absorb the flavor.
  2. Add chopped vegetables and fresh herbs. Taste for salt.
  3. Chill for at least 30 minutes, then add reserved dressing before serving.

Notes

For best results, dress pasta while slightly warm. Save delicate ingredients like spinach or avocado for just before serving. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate.