Spicy & Smoky Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is by far one of my favorite go-to side dishes/picnic foods/potluck contributions/meal prep recipe ever! No matter how you like it, pasta salad can really do no wrong and has endless possibilities for making and enjoying.
I am in love with this spicy & smoky pasta salad because it’s just a little unexpected. We’ve got a creamy, tangy dressing thanks to my “secret” ingredient, white balsamic vinegar! The spicy part comes into play with one of my favorite ingredients of all time, Mama Lil’s Peppers. If you know, you know!
But my favorite part of this pasta salad are the flecks of wilted spinach paired with tons of smoky, creamy and bold cheese - two kinds to be exact! Shredded parm and either smoked mozzarella or smoked gouda. I like either really, so it’s up to you or whatever you can find at your grocery store.
If you’re a fan of pasta salad like I am, you have to give this recipe a try!
Spicy & Smoky Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 lb short noodle pasta - like rigatoni, penne or get fancy with casarecce
1/2 cup mayo
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Kosher salt (plus more for salting pasta water)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 oz fresh spinach
1/4 cup Mama Lil’s Peppers, roughly chopped
1/4 cup shredded Parm
8 oz smoked gouda or smoked mozzarella
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously and boil your pasta according to package directions. During the last minute, add your spinach to wilt. Drain pasta and spinach and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine mayo, vinegar, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined and there are no lumps. Add cheeses, peppers, cooled pasta and spinach and gently stir to combine. Refrigerate at least two hours and serve chilled.
