Save It Last summer my neighbor Sarah brought this to our block party and I literally hovered over the bowl the entire afternoon. The way that honey mustard clings to the spiral pasta creates this perfect bite every time. I begged her for the recipe right there and have been making it weekly ever since. Something about the crisp vegetables against that creamy zesty dressing just hits different on hot days.
My teenage son who normally turns his nose up at anything with visible vegetables actually went back for thirds. I caught him eating the leftovers straight from the container at midnight. That moment of seeing him enjoy something so wholesome made all the vegetable chopping worth every minute.
Ingredients
- 250 g spiral pasta: The curves catch dressing perfectly and fusilli holds up beautifully without getting mushy
- 2 chicken breasts: Seasoning simply and cooking in olive oil keeps the meat tender and flavorful
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: They burst gently when you bite adding bursts of freshness
- 1 cup cucumber diced: Adds essential crunch and keeps everything light and refreshing
- 1/2 red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and that gorgeous pop of color
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped: Just enough bite to cut through the creamy dressing
- 1/4 cup celery thinly sliced: The secret crunch that makes every texture interesting
- 2 cups mixed salad greens: Optional but adds lovely texture contrast
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard: The backbone that gives the dressing its distinctive zing
- 2 tbsp honey: Balances everything with natural sweetness
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Creates that creamy mouthfeel without overpowering
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Brightens the entire dressing beautifully
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the coating cling to every piece
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds depth without any harsh raw garlic bite
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped: Fresh herb finish that makes everything taste vibrant
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil until al dente then rinse immediately under cold water to stop cooking
- Prepare the chicken:
- Season generously and cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through then let rest before cutting
- Combine the base:
- Mix cooled pasta and sliced chicken with all your colorful vegetables in a large bowl
- Whisk the dressing:
- Blend mustard honey mayonnaise vinegar oil and garlic powder until completely smooth
- Toss everything together:
- Pour dressing over salad and fold gently until every piece is coated
- Finish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy immediately or let chill for flavors to meld
Save It This has become my go to contribution for every potluck and family gathering now. Watching people take that first skeptical bite then immediately reach for seconds is the best feeling ever. Food really does bring people together in the simplest ways.
Make Ahead Magic
I learned you can prep everything except the dressing up to 24 hours ahead and store separately. The vegetables stay crisp and the pasta does not get waterlogged. Just toss with dressing right before serving and you have a stunning dish that looks like you spent hours when it really took minutes.
Chicken Shortcut
Sometimes I grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred the meat instead of cooking raw breasts. It saves so much time and actually adds more flavor since the meat is already seasoned. The dressing ties everything together so seamlessly that nobody notices the difference.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the honey beautifully while iced tea makes it feel like a proper picnic. For heartier meals serve alongside grilled corn or crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing. The versatility of this salad never fails me.
- Add grilled corn kernels for extra sweetness and color
- Swap Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise for a lighter version
- Extra fresh herbs like dill or basil completely change the profile
Save It This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation and I hope it finds a special place in yours too.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of pasta works best?
Spiral-shaped pasta like fusilli or rotini holds the honey-mustard dressing nicely, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- → Can the chicken be grilled instead of pan-cooked?
Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky depth and works perfectly with the dressing and fresh vegetables.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute mayonnaise with dairy-free options or Greek yogurt alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.
- → How can I store leftovers safely?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and toss gently before serving to redistribute flavors.
- → What are good vegetable substitutions?
Feel free to swap or add veggies like sweet corn, peas, shredded carrots, or any crunchy seasonal produce.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all components and combine shortly before serving to maintain freshness and texture.