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Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

A flavorful and refreshing Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad combining rigatoni pasta with roasted bell peppers, smoked mozzarella, shredded parmesan, fresh spinach, and a zesty mayo-based dressing with white wine vinegar and garlic. Perfect as a side dish for summer meals, this salad offers a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 16 oz organic rigatoni pasta
  • 9 oz roasted bell pepper strips (Jeff’s Garden Brand, approximately 3/4 of a 12 oz jar)
  • 4 oz fresh baby spinach

Cheeses

  • 8 oz smoked mozzarella, cubed
  • 2.5 oz shredded parmesan cheese

Dressing

  • 1 oz organic white wine vinegar
  • 5.5 oz organic light mayo (Whole Foods 365 brand, about half of an 11.2 oz container)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
  • Salt & pepper, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil water in a large saucepan and cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Blanch Spinach: Place fresh baby spinach in a colander and pour the hot cooking water from the pasta over it to quickly blanch the spinach, then remove the spinach and drain the pasta in the same colander.
  3. Cool Pasta: Rinse the drained pasta under cold running water to stop cooking, cool it down, and prevent the cheese from melting during mixing, while also speeding up chilling time.
  4. Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried parsley, cayenne pepper, and light mayo until smooth and well combined.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled rigatoni, blanched spinach, roasted bell pepper strips, cubed smoked mozzarella, and shredded parmesan cheese to the dressing. Toss gently with a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly coated and blended.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for 30 minutes to 1 hour, tossing every 15 minutes to help the flavors meld. Serve chilled as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite summer meals.

Notes

  • To save time, roast your own bell peppers or substitute with jarred roasted peppers as listed.
  • For a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne pepper amount to taste.
  • Ensure pasta is completely cooled before mixing to prevent cheese from melting unnecessarily.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal.

Keywords: smoked mozzarella pasta salad, rigatoni pasta salad, roasted bell pepper pasta salad, summer pasta salad, smoky cheese pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/smoked-mozzarella-pasta-salad-recipe/