Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Author: 
Recipe type: Cooking for a Crowd, Weekend Cooking
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 8
 
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • ½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 and ½ tsp.)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • ½ pound whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 cups packed baby spinach, washed and stemmed
  • 4 pieces jarred roasted red pepper, diced
  • ½ pound smoked mozzarella cheese, diced (use regular mozzarella if you can't find smoked)
  • Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
  1. Combine the Parmesan cheese, parsley, mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper with a hand mixer or in the bowl of food processor or in a blender until the dressing is smooth.
  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until it is al dente. Drain the pasta into a colander, run cold water over it or submerge it in ice water until chilled through, and drain well. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spinach, roasted red peppers, and smoked mozzarella.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. For best results, make this ahead of time and let chill for 2-4 hours before serving. Serve cold.
Recipe by In Good Taste at https://ingoodtaste.kitchen/smoked-mozzarella-pasta-salad/