Spring Pasta Salad with Tangy Honey Mustard Dressing – Fresh, Light & Full of Flavor
Looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s perfect for sunny days? This Spring Pasta Salad with Tangy Honey Mustard Dressing is exactly what your table needs.
It’s loaded with crisp seasonal veggies, tender pasta, and tossed in a sweet, zesty honey mustard vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully.
Whether you’re packing a picnic, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a spring gathering, this salad brings color, crunch, and bold flavor to every bite.
Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, totally customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Spring Pasta Salad
🌷 Bright and seasonal, packed with fresh spring vegetables
🍯 Sweet, tangy honey mustard dressing for a flavor punch
🥗 Light yet satisfying, with tender pasta and crisp veggies
⏱️ Quick to prepare, great for make-ahead meals
🌿 Vegetarian-friendly and customizable
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 8 oz short pasta (like rotini, bowtie, or penne)
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup sugar snap peas or green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: baby spinach, arugula, or chopped basil for added greens
For the Tangy Honey Mustard Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Spring Pasta Salad
🍝 Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add asparagus and snap peas to blanch them. Drain and rinse everything under cold water to stop the cooking.
🥗 In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and veggies with cherry tomatoes, radishes, red onion, feta cheese, and herbs.
🥄 In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
🍯 Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
🧊 Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld, or enjoy right away!
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
🍋 Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest for brightness
🥑 Toss in avocado chunks just before serving for creaminess
🥓 Sprinkle with crisp bacon or toasted sunflower seeds for texture
🥬 Add baby kale or arugula for a leafy twist
🧄 Stir in roasted garlic or shallots for savory depth
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
✔ Use short, sturdy pasta that holds up well to dressing
✔ Rinse pasta and veggies with cold water to cool and stop cooking
✔ Let the salad chill before serving for the best flavor
✔ Double the dressing if you like it extra saucy—it stores well too!
Storage
📦 Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
🍋 Refresh with a little extra olive oil or vinegar if needed
🌱 Best served chilled or at room temperature
Final Thoughts
This Spring Pasta Salad with Tangy Honey Mustard Dressing is bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors and a dressing that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s light, colorful, and perfectly balanced—ideal for lunch, potlucks, or as a cheerful side dish. Make a big batch, and enjoy a taste of spring in every bite! 🌿🍝🌸
