Mozzarella Pasta Salad

This vibrant Mozzarella Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that balances creamy cheese with savory ham and fresh greens. The corkscrew pasta holds the dressing perfectly, while black olives and green chiles add a delightful kick of flavor. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent choice for potlucks, summer barbecues, or a light weeknight dinner. The ingredients meld together beautifully as the salad chills, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Serve it cold or at room temperature for a refreshing meal that satisfies both hunger and craving for something substantial yet easy to prepare.

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 12

Calories: 157.2

Description

This vibrant Mozzarella Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that balances creamy cheese with savory ham and fresh greens. The corkscrew pasta holds the dressing perfectly, while black olives and green chiles add a delightful kick of flavor. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent choice for potlucks, summer barbecues, or a light weeknight dinner. The ingredients meld together beautifully as the salad chills, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Serve it cold or at room temperature for a refreshing meal that satisfies both hunger and craving for something substantial yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients

2 cup Pasta -- corkscrew (twist)
1 can Green chiles (4 oz), drained
10 oz Fresh spinach, washed and drained
2 cup Mozzarella cheese, cubed into bite-size pieces
3/4 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
1 can Black olives (5 3/4 oz), sliced or whole
2 cup Cooked ham, chopped or sliced

Directions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corkscrew pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cubed mozzarella, shredded cheddar, chopped ham, drained green chiles, and black olives.
3
Gently fold in the fresh washed spinach leaves until evenly distributed among the pasta and other ingredients.
4
Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 157.2kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.3g2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 30.0g10%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
Sugars 0.6g
Protein 6.0g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best results, serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It holds well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can substitute the mozzarella with fresh ricotta salata or feta for a tangier flavor profile.

If you prefer a creamy dressing, toss the ingredients with a light Italian vinaigrette or a mixture of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dried oregano before chilling.

Keywords: pasta salad, mozzarella, ham, italian salad, corkscrew pasta, spinach, potluck recipe, summer side dish, cheese pasta, black olives, green chiles, meal prep, cold pasta, family dinner, easy recipe, vegetable salad, creamy pasta

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/mozzarella-pasta-salad/