You can’t beat a good pasta salad and this Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad may be a new favorite around here. I was inspired to make this after having a similar version at Whole Foods. I knew that I could remake it with a few better-for-you ingredients and so that’s what I did with this super simple pasta salad.
Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
It’s pasta salad season! That’s all year though right?! I love a good pasta salad no matter what the occasion is, but especially love it during the spring/summer when you can enjoy it outside at a cookout. You may have asked yourself, what to do with smoked mozzarella. Here is a great way to use it. This smoked mozzarella pasta salad is not only so simple to make, but it’s the perfect mix of creamy paired with pasta. The best part is that I was inspired to make this pasta salad after seeing it at Whole Foods and knowing that I could make it with simpler, better-for-you ingredients. One of my favorite things to do is recreating these dishes at home.
What you need to make Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad:
- 1 box noodles (I used 8oz Banza Chickpea Pasta)
- Plain greek yogurt (I used Fage 0%)
- Avocado oil Mayo (I used Primal Kitchen)
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Fresh Parsley
- White Wine Vinegar
- Smoked Mozzarella Cheese
- Grated parmesan
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
How to make this pasta salad:
- Start by preparing the pasta according to package. Drain pasta and add to large bowl.
- Chop up smoked mozzarella into small pieces.
- Add in remaining ingredients to mix: greek yogurt, avocado oil mayo, roasted red pepper, parmesan, smoked mozzarella cheese, seasonings and white wine vinegar. Mix together.
- Store in fridge.
Can I use any pasta here?
Yes! Any pasta that you like can be used here. I used a Chickpea pasta, this Banza pasta is one that I use a lot!
How long does this last in the fridge?
This will last up to three days in the fridge. If it lasts that long! 😉 I like to store it in glass meal prep containers like these!
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy these recipes on One Balanced Life:
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Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Simple and delicious pasta salad!
Ingredients
- 1 box chickpea pasta (I used 8oz Banza)
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt (I used Fage 0%)
- 1/4 cup mayo made with avocado oil
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2/3 cup smoked mozzarella cheese, chopped into pieces
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a large bowl add all ingredients. Cooked pasta, mayo, greek yogurt, cheese, seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Adjust seasonings to taste if needed.
- Store in the fridge. Enjoy!
Is smoked mozzarella good?
Smoked cheese is generally not thought of as a treat. It’s usually used in cooking. The taste of it is different and because taste is a preference, you’ll need to try it to see if you enjoy it on your dishes.
But isn’t it bad for me?
The thing about smoked cheese is that the smoking actually doesn’t add any calories to the cheese; instead, it adds a layer of flavor between you and the cheese. Your taste buds get all excited by the smokey taste buy you don’t get any more calories than from eating regular cheese.
What does smoked mozzarella taste like?
Smoked mozzarella is a popular Italian cheese that resembles conventional mozzarella in appearance. The taste and texture, however, are quite different. Smoked mozzarella has a stronger flavor and a firmer texture than regular mozzarella. It is made by adding smoke flavor to the cheese during the curing process.
Smoked mozzarella has a mild, somewhat salty taste, but it’s even more subtle than that. The smoke adds a background note to the cheese, and when you’re eating a slice of pizza or a Caprese salad, you may not even notice it. It’s also a little buttery.
The most common mistake when eating smoked cheese for the first time is to try to identify the individual flavors. Like truffle oil or Sriracha sauce, smoked cheese is an ingredient that needs to be used carefully so as not to overwhelm other flavors.
Smoked mozzarella is indeed delicious, but a lot of people are confused about what it is. They think it’s mozzarella that has been smoked, like ham or turkey. I wish it were that simple.
The cheese is made in the normal way: cream, salt, and rennet are combined and heated to an appropriate temperature to make curds. But then the curds are put into a smoker. The finished cheese has an intense smoky flavor. It is vaguely similar to smoked Gouda, with a texture somewhere between mozzarella and string cheese (but not nearly as rubbery).
Trying smoked mozzarella for the first time can be a surreal experience.
What is smoked mozzarella called?
Smoked mozzarella is also known as fior di latte.
You may also find smoked mozzarella sold under different names such as Smoked Caciocavallo, Smoked Provola or Smoked Mozzarella di Bufala. These cheeses are usually found in specialty food stores and delis that carry an extensive selection of imported products from Italy.
Smoked mozzarella is a traditional Italian delicacy. It has a thin and soft texture and rich flavor. It is made by curing the mozzarella in special smoking chambers.
Often, smoked mozzarella is served fresh or added as an accent to salads, pastas, and pizzas. Smoked mozzarella can keep for up to three weeks if it is stored in the refrigerator. The taste of smoked mozzarella is enhanced when it is combined with other ingredients.
until next time...
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