The Essence Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Bring bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table with The Essence Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad—a refreshing medley perfect for any occasion. This irresistible dish combines al dente fusilli or rotini pasta with creamy, smoky mozzarella cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp red bell pepper, and refreshing cucumber, all accented by the aromatic touch of fresh basil. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, this salad is packed with flavor in every bite. Optional toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, elevating this salad to gourmet status. Ready in just 25 minutes and served chilled, it’s an easy yet impressive option for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light lunch. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this pasta salad is sure to be the star of your next meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 8 oz Smoked mozzarella cheese, diced
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 Cucumber, diced
- 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add the diced smoked mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, and chopped basil to the cooled pasta. Toss to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
If desired, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2100 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 128.4 g | 165% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.3 g | 216% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 162 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 4022 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 151.6 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.1 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.0 g | ||
| Protein | 80.2 g | 160% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1855 mg | 143% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 1997 mg | 42% | |
*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.
