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Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad

This Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad with homemade Parmesan Balsamic Vinaigrette is the perfect light and fresh summer meal. Perfect for potlucks!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 about 1.5 cups each
Calories: 42918 kcal
Course: Salad , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. bowtie pasta $0.67
  • Salt for pasta water $0.02
  • 3 cups fresh spinach $1.20
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes $2.50
  • 8 oz. mozzarella* $2.60
Parmesan Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup olive oil $0.55
  • 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar $0.41
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise $0.17
  • 2 Tbsp grated parmesan $0.22
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.09
  • 1 clove garlic, minced $0.08
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.01
  • freshly cracked pepper $0.02

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Fill a pot with water and add two large pinches of salt. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and continue to boil until the pasta is tender. Drain the pasta in a colander, give it a brief rinse with cool water, and let it drain well while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  2. While waiting for the pasta to cook, prepare the rest of the salad. Start with the Parmesan Balsamic Vinaigrette. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar or blender. Either blend until combined or shake your jar until the ingredients are well combined. Set the dressing aside until needed.
  3. Roughly chop the spinach and slice the grape tomatoes in half. Dice the mozzarella into 1/2-inch cubes.
  4. Add the spinach, tomatoes, and mozzarella to a large bowl. Once the pasta is well drained and mostly cool, add it to the bowl with the mozzarella and vegetables. Make sure the pasta is no longer hot, so it doesn't wilt the spinach or melt the cheese.
  5. Toss the ingredients to combine. If serving the salad later, store it like this without dressing. If serving immediately, add half of the dressing and toss to coat. Add more dressing as desired.

Notes

  • *Fresh mozzarella is best, but block or stick mozzarella can be used in its place. Whole milk mozzarella (not part-skim), if possible.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1.5Cups Calories 429.18kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 36.62g (12%) Protein 15.67g (31%) Fat 24.6g (38%) Sodium 567.75mg (24%) Fiber 3.03g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6about 1.5 cups each

Amount Per Serving

Calories 42918

% Daily Value*

Serving 1.5Cups
Calories 429.18kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 36.62g 12%
Protein 15.67g 31%
Fat 24.6g 38%
Sodium 567.75mg 24%
Fiber 3.03g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.