Smoked Mozzarella and Penne Salad

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I'm lucky there is a Whole Foods right across the street from my work, as well as about two minutes from my house. I love their selection of fresh and organic products so it is a real convenience that their store is only a few steps away.

Sometimes Chris and I will walk to Whole Foods to get lunch at one of their many hot bars. The selection is always so extensive, but I have a few regulars that I always gravitate towards. This Smoked Mozzarella and Penne Salad is one of them. I was stoked to find a duplicate recipe online so that I can now make this in the comfort of my own home. Smoked Mozzarella gives the salad a really unique flavor, while the Parmesan dressing makes it fresh and light. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

Parmesan dressing:                                                

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 and 1/2 tsp.)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Salad:

• 1/2 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups packed baby spinach, washed and stemmed
• 2 small jars roasted red peppers, diced
• 1/2 pound smoked Mozzarella cheese, diced

For dressing: 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.

For salad: 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. Pour dressing over top and chill until ready to serve.

Source: Group Recipes