There’s something irresistible about the smoky, creamy flavor of mozzarella paired with fresh, vibrant ingredients, and Whole Foods’ Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad captures that magic perfectly. It’s a dish that’s simple yet sophisticated, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, need a quick lunch option, or just craving something flavorful, this salad checks all the boxes.
What I love most about this recipe is its balance of textures and flavors. The smoky mozzarella blends beautifully with tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. Inspired by the popular deli favorite at Whole Foods, this homemade version is just as delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation year-round.
Whole Foods Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
This recipe brings the signature smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors of the popular Whole Foods Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad right into your kitchen. Let me guide you through the steps to recreate this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1 cup smoked mozzarella (cut into small cubes)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (diced)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside to let any excess water drain.
- Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, smoked mozzarella cubes, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, red onion, and fresh basil. Gently toss them together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add the Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss the salad, ensuring all components are coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve
Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Ingredients
To recreate the irresistible Whole Foods Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, you will need a combination of fresh ingredients for the pasta salad and a tangy homemade dressing. Here’s everything you need:
For The Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (cooked al dente and rinsed under cold water)
- 1 cup smoked mozzarella (cubed into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3/4 cup roasted red peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
For The Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to capture the essence of the original dish, delivering bold smoky tones and vibrant freshness in every bite.
Tools And Equipment
To achieve the best results while recreating the iconic Whole Foods Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what I recommend for preparing this flavorful dish:
- Large Pot: For boiling the rotini pasta until perfectly al dente.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta efficiently without breaking its shape.
- Cutting Board: To safely chop the smoked mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, red onion, and fresh basil.
- Sharp Knife: Ensures clean and precise cuts for all the salad ingredients.
- Small Bowl or Mason Jar: Used to mix the dressing ingredients like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and seasonings.
- Whisk or Spoon: For blending the dressing until smooth and well-combined.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To toss the pasta, chopped vegetables, smoked mozzarella, and dressing together evenly.
- Tongs or Large Spoon: Perfect for mixing the salad gently to avoid smashing the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure all the ingredients accurately, ensuring the balance of flavors in the dish.
- Plastic Wrap or Lid: To cover the salad during the chilling process for freshness.
Each of these tools plays a role in making the preparation process seamless while preserving the integrity of the ingredients. By using the right equipment, you’ll find it easy to recreate the smoky, creamy, and vibrant flavors of this pasta salad with ease.
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious smoked mozzarella pasta salad that captures the rich, smoky flavors of the Whole Foods deli classic.
Step 1: Prep The Ingredients
I start by gathering all of my ingredients for easy access. I cube 1 cup of smoked mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, thinly slice 3/4 cup of roasted red peppers, finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion, and chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves. I also measure out the dressing ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Cook The Pasta
Using a large pot, I bring salted water to a boil. I add 12 ounces of rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, I drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. I set the pasta aside to dry slightly.
Step 3: Make The Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, I combine 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper. I whisk the mixture together until it emulsifies, or if using a mason jar, I seal it with a lid and shake it vigorously to blend.
Step 4: Assemble The Salad
In a large mixing bowl, I add the cooked pasta, cubed smoked mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced roasted red peppers, chopped red onion, and fresh basil. I drizzle the dressing evenly over the top, then use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated without breaking up the pasta.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead for this smoked mozzarella pasta salad not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop even more, enhancing the overall taste. Here’s how I make this dish ahead while ensuring it stays fresh and delicious:
- Prepare the Pasta and Dressing in Advance
I cook the rotini pasta until al dente, drain it, and toss it in a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Once cooled, I store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the dressing, I mix all the ingredients in a mason jar, seal it tightly, and refrigerate it. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead. Before using it, I shake the jar to re-emulsify the ingredients.
- Prep and Store the Vegetables and Cheese
I cube the smoked mozzarella, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the roasted red peppers, and chop the basil and red onion. Each ingredient is stored separately in airtight containers or resealable bags in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the salad from becoming soggy if assembled too soon.
- Combine the Salad Shortly Before Serving
On the day I plan to serve the salad, I combine the pasta, prepped vegetables, and cheese in a large mixing bowl. I pour the dressing over the top, tossing gently with tongs or a large spoon to ensure even coverage. I recommend letting the salad sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes after mixing, as this warms it slightly and enhances the flavor.
- Chill for Best Flavor Development
If you want to prepare the fully assembled salad ahead of time, it works best if made 4-6 hours before serving. I cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a container with a lid, then refrigerate it. Remember to toss it again gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and juices.
By following these make-ahead steps, hosting gatherings or packing lunches becomes stress-free while still offering the rich, smoky, and bright flavors of this beloved pasta salad.
Tips For The Perfect Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Crafting the perfect Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad is all about attention to detail and the balance of flavors and textures. Here are my top tips to help you nail it every time:
1. Choose Quality Ingredients
- Opt for high-quality smoked mozzarella for the best flavor. The smoky taste elevates the dish and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Use fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes and freshly chopped basil to bring brightness to the salad.
- Choose roasted red peppers in olive oil for enhanced flavor and to avoid dryness.
2. Cook Pasta Properly
- Cook your pasta until al dente, as overcooked pasta can make the salad soggy. Refer to your package instructions for timing, and check for a perfect bite.
- Rinse the cooked pasta briefly under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. This step also helps keep the salad from becoming sticky.
3. Balance the Dressing
- Tweak the dressing to taste by adjusting the balsamic vinegar for tanginess or honey for sweetness. The dressing should complement without overpowering the smoky cheese.
- Whisk or shake the dressing until emulsified for a smooth, cohesive consistency. A properly mixed dressing ensures even coating on every ingredient.
4. Prep Ingredients Uniformly
- Cube the smoked mozzarella and halve the cherry tomatoes to make each bite balanced and visually appealing.
- Slice roasted red peppers and red onion thinly so they integrate nicely with the pasta.
- Chop the basil just before mixing to preserve its vibrant color and flavor.
5. Assemble Strategically
- Combine the pasta and vegetables before adding the dressing; this helps distribute all the ingredients evenly.
- Toss the smoked mozzarella gently at the end to avoid breaking the cubes and preserve its creamy texture.
6. Chill for Best Results
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step enhances the flavors as the dressing soaks into the pasta and other ingredients.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid during chilling to maintain freshness and prevent the dressing from drying out.
7. Enhance Presentation
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves right before serving for an extra pop of color and aroma.
- Serve in a large, shallow bowl to show off the vibrant ingredients and invite guests to dig in.
8. Store Smartly
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within two days for optimal taste and texture.
- If the pasta absorbs too much dressing overnight, freshen it with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before serving.
By following these practical tips, you can ensure your Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad turns out smoky, creamy, and perfectly vibrant every time.
Conclusion
Whole Foods’ Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Making it at home allows you to enjoy its smoky, creamy, and tangy goodness anytime, whether for a casual lunch or a special gathering.
With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a few helpful tips, this recipe is perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners. Once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful pasta salad!