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Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Creamy Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad to Brighten Your Summer

This Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer picnics, combining creamy cheese, fresh greens, and tender pasta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 51 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Organic Rigatoni Pasta Feel free to swap with any pasta you prefer.
For the Salad
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Arugula or kale can serve as great alternatives.
  • 1 cup Roasted Bell Pepper Strips Replace with fresh peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.
  • 8 oz Smoked Mozzarella Consider smoked gouda for a different profile.
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese You can omit for a lighter dish or use nutritional yeast.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Organic White Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar makes a good substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Organic Light Mayo Greek yogurt works well for a healthier alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Garlic powder can be used if fresh is not available.
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Use fresh parsley or basil for a more vibrant taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adjust according to personal preference.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Directions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the organic rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later use.
  2. While your pasta is cooking, prepare the fresh baby spinach. Place the spinach in a colander and once the pasta is done, pour the hot pasta water over it to blanch the leaves for about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Return to the colander with the rigatoni. Rinse the pasta under cold water for about a minute, helping to stop the cooking process.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the organic white wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried parsley, cayenne pepper, and organic light mayo until smooth. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the rigatoni, blanched spinach, roasted bell pepper strips, smoked mozzarella, and shredded parmesan cheese to the dressing. Toss gently with a wooden spoon.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

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