Description
Elevate your summer picnics with this Smoked Mozzarella and Spinach Pasta Salad, a creamy, flavorful dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Combining the rich smokiness of mozzarella with fresh baby spinach and zesty sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta salad is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. It comes together quickly in just 32 minutes and can be served chilled, making it a refreshing choice on warm days. With easy preparation steps and customizable ingredients, you can adapt this dish to suit your preferences or make it ahead for a hassle-free meal. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious taste that will impress your guests and leave them craving more!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup smoked mozzarella, cubed
- 1 cup shredded fresh parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 tbsp chicken sparkling grape juice apple vinegar or white apple vinegar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until just under al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, sugar, black pepper, and milk until smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the dressing in the bowl. Fold in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked mozzarella cubes, and shredded parmesan until evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg