Honey Mustard Pasta Salad

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
2. If using olives and cheese, slice or shred them as needed.
3. Add all vegetables (and optional ingredients) to the cooled pasta.

Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Slowly whisk in olive oil until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard if desired.

Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing

1. Pour the honey mustard dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
2. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the vegetables.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
3. Serve chilled for a refreshing, tangy, and sweet pasta salad.

Tips for the Best Honey Mustard Pasta Salad

• Pasta Choice: Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta works best as their shapes hold onto the dressing.
• Add Protein: For a heartier salad, toss in grilled chicken, ham, or chickpeas.
• Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge to let flavors develop.
• Extra Crunch: Add celery, carrots, or bell peppers for a satisfying crunch.

The Honey Mustard Pasta Salad is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy notes. It’s simple to make, versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it at a gathering. The homemade dressing is what truly sets this salad apart—rich, flavorful, and completely irresistible.

If you want, I can also make a colorful infographic-style version of this recipe showing all the ingredients and steps visually—it makes it super easy to follow at a glance.

Do you want me to do that?