Whole Foods Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Step 1

Prepare cheese and vegetables. Rinse the spinach and pat dry or use a salad spinner. Chop the roasted red bell pepper. Cut the smoked mozzarella into small cubes and grate the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Step 2

TO PREPARE THE PARMESAN DRESSING

Step 3

Combine the Parmesan cheese, parsley, mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, red chile powder, and salt and pepper. Use a blender or food processor to blend the dressing creamy and smooth.

Step 4

TO PREPARE THE SALAD

Step 5

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until it is al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooked pasta water, into a colander. Run cold water over it until pasta comes to room temperature. Let the pasta drain well.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spinach, roasted red peppers, smoked mozzarella and grated parmesan. Add sauce and stir well.

Step 7

If the pasta salad seems dry or stiff, add some of the cooked pasta water to the salad, 1/4 cup at a time. The starchy water will make things creamier.