Delicious Hot Honey Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• ¾ cup light olive oil (the smooth operator)
• ⅓ cup honey (for that golden sweetness)
• ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, no shortcuts!)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano (hello, Mediterranean vibes)
• 1 tbsp dried thyme (earthy and aromatic)
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat tolerance!)
• 1½ tsp garlic powder (because garlic is life)
• 1½ tsp onion powder (for depth)
• ¾ tsp salt (to make flavors pop)
• ½ tsp black pepper (a gentle kick)
• 1 lb medium pasta (bowties or penne—fun shapes only!)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved, like little bursts of summer)
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls (drained well—no one likes a watery salad)
• 4 oz mini pepperoni slices (tiny, spicy meat confetti)
• 1½ cups baby arugula (for peppery freshness)
• ½ cup fresh basil (torn, not chopped—rustic charm!)