Dinner

Honey Mustard Pasta Salad Recipe

ByHugo Harnd January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

Introduction

This Honey Mustard Pasta Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch. With crunchy vegetables and a creamy, flavorful dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

A close-up of creamy macaroni salad served in a white bowl filled with three layers: pale yellow macaroni mixed with small bits of red and green vegetables scattered throughout, all coated in a smooth, shiny cream sauce. A silver fork holds a portion of the macaroni with visible soft textures and vegetable bits, lifted above the bowl. In the background, a glass bowl with more of the same salad and a yellow condiment bottle with a brown cap are partly blurred, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni pasta, cooked and drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
4 green onions, diced
1 1/2 cups mayo
2/3 cup honey mustard
2/3 cup sweet pickle relish
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Add the cooked and drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, and diced green onions until all ingredients are combined.
Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, honey mustard, sweet pickle relish, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: For best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add chopped cooked chicken or turkey to make it a more substantial meal.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter dressing option.
For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts like almonds or pecans on top just before serving.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving after storage, give it a good stir and, if needed, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the dressing. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white macaroni salad served in a clear glass bowl, filled with creamy, pale yellow elbow macaroni pasta mixed evenly with small chopped pieces of red bell pepper, green celery slices, and green onions. The pasta is coated with a thick, glossy white dressing that gives a rich and smooth texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, preparing it a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and covered.

What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?

You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like rotini, bowties, or penne depending on your preference.