Honey Mustard Pasta Salad

Yield: 6 servings as a main course, 8-10 as a side dish
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes (largely inactive)

Recipe Intensity: Easy. This recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. It involves simple techniques like boiling pasta, whisking a dressing, and chopping vegetables.

---

Ingredients

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• ½ cup high-quality mayonnaise

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• ¼ cup whole-grain mustard

• ⅓ cup raw honey (or to taste)

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 small clove garlic, minced or finely grated

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta Salad:

• 1 lb (16 oz) rotini or fusilli pasta

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water)

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

• 1 large red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)

• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets (small, bite-sized pieces)

• ½ red onion, finely diced

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted

• 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large stockpot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente (firm to the bite). This is crucial, as the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing and soften slightly as it chills. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps wash away excess starch, preventing the salad from becoming gummy. Set aside to drain thoroughly.

Step 2: Craft the Signature Dressing

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the honey mustard dressing. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-emulsified. While continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This will help create a creamy, cohesive dressing. Taste and season with kosher salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Remember, the bacon and cheese will add saltiness later, so be cautious with the salt at this stage. Set the dressing aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad with Care

In the now-empty (and slightly cooled) stockpot or a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, drained pasta, diced red bell pepper, chopped broccoli, finely diced red onion, and about two-thirds of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. (Reserving some for the top makes for a beautiful presentation.)

Pour about three-quarters of the prepared honey mustard dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Using a large rubber spatula or a large spoon, gently fold everything together until every component is evenly coated. The goal is to mix thoroughly without breaking the pasta.

Step 4: The All-Important Chill

This is the step that transforms the dish from a collection of ingredients into a harmonious pasta salad. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally 2-4 hours. This resting time allows the pasta to fully absorb the flavors of the dressing, the vegetables to soften just slightly, and all the elements to get to know each other. The flavors will meld and deepen, creating a much more cohesive and delicious result.

Step 5: The Final Touches and Serving

Just before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir. It may have absorbed a lot of the dressing, so add the remaining reserved dressing a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, the toasted almonds for a nutty crunch, and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve chilled and watch it disappear.

---

Notes & Tips for a Perfect Salad

• Pasta Choice: Rotini and fusilli are ideal because their spiral shapes trap the dressing and little vegetable bits beautifully. Penne, farfalle (bow-tie), or cellentani (cork-screw) also work well.

• Vegetable Variations: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to substitute or add based on your preferences or what’s in season. Try halved cherry tomatoes, blanched and chopped asparagus, sweet corn, or peas.

• Protein Power: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. You could add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for protein instead. Grilled and chopped chicken breast is another fantastic addition for a heartier meal.

• Make-Ahead Marvel: This salad is a perfect make-ahead dish. It will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making this far in advance, wait to add the toasted almonds until just before serving to maintain their crunch.

• Toasting Almonds: To toast almonds, place them in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan frequently for 2-4 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.

---

Nutrition Information

Please note: The following nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe (as a main course)
Calories: 685
Total Fat: 36g (46% DV)

• Saturated Fat: 9g (45% DV)

• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 45mg (15% DV)
  Sodium: 980mg (43% DV)
  Total Carbohydrates: 70g (25% DV)

• Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% DV)

• Total Sugars: 20g

  • Includes 16g Added Sugars (32% DV)
    Protein: 20g
    Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
    Calcium: 180mg (14% DV)
    Iron: 3mg (15% DV)
    Potassium: 380mg (8% DV)

Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

This Honey Mustard Pasta Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable, delicious solution for any occasion. Its perfect blend of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy is a combination that’s simply hard to beat. Enjoy the process of making it and the chorus of compliments you’re sure to receive