Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
This smoked mozzarella pasta salad is a unique twist on a familiar salad. Smoky mozzarella is balanced with fresh veggies and creamy dressing for a delightful combination.
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Equipment
- Saucepan
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 16 oz small pasta like penne or rigatoni, 1 box
- 6 oz. fresh baby spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz. smoked mozzarella, cubed
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- ¾ cup mayo (I use Sir Kensington's olive oil mayo or Primal Kichen, but any mayo will work)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
- 2 tsp honey
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Boil water in a large saucepan and cook the box of pasta as directed.
- Add 6 ounces of baby spinach spinach to a colander and pour the hot noodle water over the spinach to blanch it. Remove the spinach from the colander and pour the noodles into the colander to drain.
- Run cold water over noodles to cool off the pasta. Don't skip this step. If you add your cheese to the hot pasta it will melt. You can also put the noodles in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to cool while you prep the vegetables and dressing.
- In a large bowl (large enough for the pasta salad), combine 3 tablesppons white wine vinegar, ¾ cup mayo, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp minced garlic), 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, parsley, a dash of cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons honey, salt and pepper and whisk together.
- Add rigatoni noodles, 6 ounces spinach, 1 red pepper, diced, 1 cup grape tomatoes cut in half, 8 ouncs of cubed smoked mozzarella, and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss dressing until blended.
- Chill for 30 min to 1 hour.
- Store covered in the refrigartor for up to 5 days.
Notes
Smoked mozzarella can be found in the fine cheese section of better grocery stores. Try Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. If you can't find smoked mozzarella, try smoked gouda, provolone, or even fresh mozzarella instead.
This recipe can easily be customized with your favorite veggies.
Swap roasted red peppers for the fresh red peppers.
I often make this on Sunday preportion into containers, making an easy grab and go lunch. It's one of my favorite lunches.
This recipe can easily be customized with your favorite veggies.
Swap roasted red peppers for the fresh red peppers.
I often make this on Sunday preportion into containers, making an easy grab and go lunch. It's one of my favorite lunches.
Servings: 8 servings