Honey Mustard Pasta Salad

 A vibrant, creamy pasta salad that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Crisp vegetables add a fresh crunch, while a rich honey mustard dressing coats every bite. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.

Serves: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (mostly hands-off)

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 16 oz (1 lb / 450g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shells

• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped

• 4 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

• 1½ cups (350g) mayonnaise

• ⅔ cup (160ml) honey mustard

• ⅔ cup (160ml) sweet pickle relish

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process. Shake well to remove excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. Assemble the Salad:
To the bowl with the cooked pasta, add the diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to combine.

3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey mustard, sweet pickle relish, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and emulsified.

4. Combine & Chill:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly and thoroughly coated.

5. Rest and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the pasta to fully absorb the dressing and the flavors to meld. Stir once more before serving.

🌟 Pro Tips & Variations

• Pasta Choice: This dressing works beautifully with rotini, bow ties (farfalle), or cavatappi for holding more sauce.

• Add Protein: Transform it into a main dish by stirring in 2 cups of diced cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon.

• Extra Crunch: Just before serving, fold in a handful of toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds.

• Make It Lighter: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich version.

• Flavor Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of dried dill or a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley to the dressing.

Enjoy this sweet, tangy, and crowd-pleasing salad—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!