Penne and Smoked Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Name: Penne and Smoked Mozzarella Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne (about 3 1/4 cups); 1 cup Basic Mayonnaise (page 234) or any all-natural mayonnaise; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 2 ounces Parmesan or other hard cheese (page 23), shredded (1/2 cup); 1 large garlic clove, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco or other hot sauce; Pinch of ground cloves; 1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, drained and diced (1/2 cup); 8 ounces smoked mozzarella, diced (2 cups); 5 ounces spinach leaves, washed, dried, and sliced into strips

Servings: persons

8 ounces penne (about 3 1/4 cups)
1 cup Basic Mayonnaise (page 234) or any all-natural mayonnaise
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup rice vinegar
2 ounces Parmesan or other hard cheese (page 23), shredded (1/2 cup)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco or other hot sauce
Pinch of ground cloves
1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, drained and diced (1/2 cup)
8 ounces smoked mozzarella, diced (2 cups)
5 ounces spinach leaves, washed, dried, and sliced into strips

1
Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate.
2
(It will continue to soften as it marinates in the dressing.)
3
Rinse with cold water, drain well, and set aside.
4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup water, olive oil, rice vinegar, Parmesan, garlic, black pepper, salt, hot sauce, and cloves.
5
Fold the pasta into the dressing and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6
Before serving, fold the bell pepper, mozzarella, and spinach leaves into the pasta.
7
Serve chilled.
8
This salad may be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but because the spinach tends to wilt, add it just before serving.

820

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 ounces penne (about 3 1/4 cups), 1 cup Basic Mayonnaise (page 234) or any all-natural mayonnaise, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup rice vinegar, and more.

Yes, Penne and Smoked Mozzarella Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Penne and Smoked Mozzarella Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions