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Smoked Mozzarella & Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Salad

A Whole Foods “copycat’ recipe but made healthier and just as flavorful! This is hands-down one of my favorite pasta salads I’ve ever had. The smoked mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes are a dreamy pair that is simply irresistible.

Ratings 5 from 1 votes
Cuisine ,
Courses , , ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 8 mins Total Time: 18 mins
Servings 6
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

My inspiration for this recipe was from a pasta salad that Whole Foods makes, and you could say it’s a “copycat” recipe, because it’s extremely similar in taste, just a healthier version. The first time I tasted the original, I knew I had to create my own version that I could enjoy at home. The smoked mozzarella cheese really makes the whole dish. You can’t deny that it pairs so perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers. The dressing is so creamy and has just enough kick from the cayenne pepper. I swapped out all mayo for primarily Greek yogurt and kept in just a tablespoon of mayo and you really can’t tell any difference. While it is a creamy based pasta salad, it’s certainly a “better for you” option.

Ingredients
  • 8 oz Banza shells pasta (1 full box)
  • 4 oz Smoked mozzarella cheese (Cut into small cubes)
  • 3 oz Sun-dried tomatoes (Cut into small pieces)
  • 1/2 cup Roasted red peppers (Cut into small pieces)
  • 2 cup Baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup 0% fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Mayonnaise (I used avocado oil mayo)
  • 1 tbsp White wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Low fat buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove Minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
    1. Cook the pasta in boiling water for about 8 minutes, until al dente.
    2. While the pasta is cooking, dice up the smoked mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers.
    3. In a large mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, buttermilk, and lemon juice and whisk to combine until creamy.
    4. Add in the grated parmesan, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, dried parsley, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper and mix.
    5. Drain the pasta using a colander and add into the bowl with the creamy dressing. Toss together until combined.
    6. Add in the smoked mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and baby spinach. Mix until combined and coated in the creamy dressing.
    7. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Keywords: Pasta, Pasta Salad, Banza, Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish, Snack, Copycat Recipe, Vegetarian, Smoked Mozzarella, Sun-dried Tomatoes
Read it online: https://blissfulbitesblondie.com/recipe/smoked-mozzarella-sun-dried-tomato-pasta-salad/