Dairy-Free Nut-Free Salads & Side Dishes

Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad

8 April 2024

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Published: Mar 20, 2024 by Jamie Vespa · This post may contain affiliate links

Honey Mustard Pasta Salad with chicken, spring veggies, and fresh herbs tossed in a creamy honey mustard dressing. This make-ahead friendly pasta salad is packed with nutritious ingredients and perfect for entertaining.

Honey mustard pasta salad with chicken, asparagus, arugula, and radishes styled in a wooden salad bowl.

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Happy first week of SPRING!

It’s been a long winter here in Colorado, and I am so ready for warmer temperatures and longer stretches of sunshine.

This pasta salad is heavily inspired by spring produce – asparagus, radishes, peas, arugula, tarragon, and chives!

While it’s a fantastic contender to bring to any spring gathering (just like this reader-favorite Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad), it’s also a great weekday lunch option.

It holds up beautifully for leftovers, and is packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and fueled. (You can further pump up the protein by using a chickpea or lentil-based pasta!)

Another perk lies in its versatility – if you dislike or can’t find any of the veggies, there are plenty of suitable swaps.

For more of my favorite spring-y recipes, also check out this Asparagus Avocado Salad and Pesto Tortellini Salad.

How to Make Honey Mustard Pasta Salad

This pasta salad only requires a little slicing and dicing on the frontend, and comes together in roughly 30 minutes.

The asparagus and peas get a quick blanch in the pasta water to keep things streamlined (and minimize dishes!).

You can eat this pasta salad cold right out of the fridge or enjoy it at room temperature, and it’s perfectly portable for lunches and gatherings.

The Ingredients

Recipe ingredients in separate bowls arranged on a wooden board.

Pasta: You can use any pasta shape you like! If making gluten free, I suggest a chickpea, lentil, or rice-based pasta.
Chicken: You can either grill, bake, or sauté the chicken ahead of time, or use rotisserie chicken for ease.
Asparagus: I like to slice the asparagus at a diagonal into 2-inch long pieces, which will cook very quickly. Asparagus is an excellent source of fiber and folate.
Peas: You can use frozen or fresh peas! I actually prefer frozen, which retain their vibrant green color better than fresh.
Arugula: Peppery arugula beautifully balances the creamy dressing. Since arugula is a tender green prone to wilting, I suggest waiting to mix it in until right before serving.
Radishes: Wonderfully spicy and crunchy, use any variety of radish available at your grocery store or farmers market.
Herbs: I love using a mix of tarragon and chives to really double down on fresh, aromatic flavor.
Mustard: Look for a grainy mustard, or any variety of Dijon that you like.
Vinegar: I suggest apple cider vinegar, however you can also use white vinegar.
Honey: A little sweetness helps balance the bite of mustard.
Mayo: I like using an avocado oil-based mayo, such as Chosen Foods brand, for extra heart-healthy fats.

For a complete list of recipe ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.

Honey mustard pasta salad with spring veggies styled in a large wooden serving bowl.

Recipe Variations

Make Vegetarian. Swap the chicken for 1 can of navy beans or chickpeas!
Use a Different Dressing. If you’re not a fan of honey mustard, the dressing for this Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad is light and so tasty! Alternatively, a light Caesar salad will also be lovely here.
Make Vegan: Omit the chicken (or again, swap for beans!), and use your favorite vegan mayonnaise (I like Primal Kitchen brand).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente.

Step 2: Add Asparagus and Peas to pot during the final minute of boiling pasta. Drain, and rinse with cold water.

Pasta being boiled in a large white pot, and asparagus and peas being added during the final minute.

Step 3: Shave Radishes and add to a bowl of ice water – let chill for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Dressing by combining mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a jar or bowl; whisk to combine.

Sliced radishes being added to a gold bowl of ice water, and honey mustard dressing being mixed in a white bowl.

Step 5: Combine Pasta Salad Ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 6: Drizzle with Dressing and toss to combine.

All of the pasta salad ingredients being added to a large wooden serving bowl, and dressing being poured overtop and tossed.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:

Make-Ahead. Up to 1 day in advance, cook and cube the chicken, shave the radish and store in an ice bath, and slice the asparagus.
Store: Refrigerate pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Prior to enjoying leftovers, add a spritz of lemon juice or drizzle to EVOO to wake up the flavors and help rehydrate the pasta, as needed.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Use the Veggies You Have. One of my favorite things about this honey mustard pasta salad is that you can make it with just about any veggie. Swap in your favorites, or use what’s in season. Other good options are green beans, zucchini, and/or tomatoes.
Don’t Overcook the Asparagus. Stringy, mushy asparagus is not enjoyable. Make sure to only boil it for 60 seconds before draining and rinsing!
Fresh Herbs Are Best. While you may be tempted to use dried herbs in a pinch, fresh herbs are essential for making this simple pasta salad shine.
Keep a Creamy Element. The creamy dressing really helps bring all of the ingredients together. If you prefer something lighter and olive oil-based, I suggest adding a smattering of feta cheese.

Salad tongs tossing pasta salad in a large wooden serving bowl.

More Spring-Inspired Salad Recipes:

If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth so I can see your beautiful creations. And don’t forget to follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates.