Smoked Mozzarella and Penne Salad
Treat your taste buds to the bold and refreshing flavors of Smoked Mozzarella and Penne Salad—a quick, vibrant dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches. This colorful salad combines tender penne pasta with creamy smoked mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red bell peppers, and fresh baby spinach, all dressed in a tangy balsamic and olive oil vinaigrette infused with garlic and basil. Ready in just 25 minutes and served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that balances smoky, zesty, and savory notes in every bite. With effortless prep and minimal cooking, this pasta salad is the ultimate fusion of simplicity and gourmet appeal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 8 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, dice the smoked mozzarella cheese into small cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the fresh basil leaves, and dice the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled penne pasta, mozzarella cubes, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, red bell pepper, and chopped basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic (using a garlic press or finely chopping), salt, and black pepper to form the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables in the mixing bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2522 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 111.7 g | 143% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.6 g | 203% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 162 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 4053 mg | 176% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 284.0 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.1 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.0 g | ||
| Protein | 96.7 g | 193% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1338 mg | 103% | |
| Iron | 17.2 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 1803 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
