Bright, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Honey Poppy Seed Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion! Featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with crisp red bell pepper, cool cucumber, and tangy red onion, each bite is elevated by a creamy and sweet honey poppy seed dressing. A hint of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar adds a zesty touch, while crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley bring a savory balance. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vibrant pasta salad is ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or meal prep, as it only gets better after chilling. Serve it cold and watch it disappear—your guests will love this delightful twist on a classic pasta salad!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool completely.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, poppy seeds, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
Pour the honey poppy seed dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and gently fold it into the salad.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the pasta salad chilled and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Serving size | 972.4 grams (972.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2617 |
Total Fat 111.10g | 142% |
Saturated Fat 28.80g | 144% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.10g | |
Cholesterol 100mg | 33% |
Sodium 3761mg | 164% |
Total Carbohydrate 337.00g | 123% |
Dietary Fiber 18.00g | 64% |
Total Sugars 75.80g | |
Protein 64.50g | 129% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 844mg | 65% |
Iron 16mg | 87% |
Potassium 1611mg | 34% |
Source of Calories