Say hello to a fresh spinach, tomato and mozzarella pasta salad, a wonderfully flavorful hybrid between a classic spinach salad and a lightly dressed summertime pasta salad.
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Every year I make grand plans for my summer and always feel really optimistic about getting all the things on my list done. When August rolls around and I’m not nearly halfway done with my summer bucket list, I have to step back and appreciate all of the things I actually did accomplish over the summer. Appreciating the little things is important.
You know what’s hard? Trying to schedule a camping weekend, girl’s spa day, weeklong trip to Disney World, multiple beach days and fabulous pool parties and barbecues during the summer when you work full time. Trying to gather friends and family who work different hours makes things even more difficult. I know I’m not alone on this one!
If you’re anything like me, you probably also find it hard to stick to your healthier habits during the summer when there are so many delicious goodies available and fun events happening nonstop. Who can resist ice cream or your aunt’s famous brownies she insists you have at the family barbecue?
This girl has never been one to pass up a good brownie, not now or ever. However, I like to balance out my treats with healthier choices throughout the day whenever possible. If I’m at a barbecue, you’ll likely find me choosing a healthier entree or side dish option so I can splurge a little during dessert. I’ve learned over the years that leading a healthier life doesn’t have to be hard. Making small changes over time can definitely turn into lifelong habits.
It didn’t take me long to realize that shopping in bulk was the easiest way to stock up on healthy produce and pantry staples for the lowest prices. Better yet, bulk shopping actually kept me from making frequent trips for groceries where I would always find myself picking up a pack of cookies or pint of ice cream that I definitely did not need. You know you do the same. (I see you nodding in agreeance. Let’s try and make healthier choices together!)
Cooking at home has become one of my favorite pastimes. You save a bit of money by cooking at home as opposed to ordering food from a restaurant or caterer.
I chose to really showcase the fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes in this pasta salad. You are going to LOVE it!
For your next barbecue or picnic, try out this light and healthy fresh spinach and tomato pasta salad. It brings together the best of both worlds by combining healthy veggies with deliciously dressed pasta salad. Be sure to scoop up the ingredients for this fresh spinach, tomato and mozzarella pasta salad with homemade vinaigrette the next time you're out!
What’s your favorite dish to bring to a potluck BBQ? Are you a healthy entree and decadent dessert person or sinful entree and healthy dessert person?
Fresh Spinach, Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Say hello to a fresh spinach, tomato and mozzarella pasta salad, a wonderfully flavorful hybrid between a classic spinach salad and a lightly dressed summertime pasta salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups tomatoes
- 12 ounces pasta cooked according to package - I used bowties, farfalle
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- ***For the homemade vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- squeeze lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package. Be sure to let the pasta thoroughly cool after cooking so that it does not wilt the spinach.
- Slice cherry or grape tomatoes in half.
- While pasta is cooling, prepare the homemade vinaigrette. Add olive oil and vinegar together in a small bowl. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Whisk vigorously to bring the vinaigrette together.
- In a large serving bowl, combine pasta, spinach, tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.
- Stir vinaigrette once more to remove any separation that may have happened. Drizzle over pasta, spinach, tomatoes and mozzarella. Gently toss to combine.
- **Although this pasta salad is great to eat immediately, the flavors really intensify if left to soak for a few hours.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 250Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Hillary Reeves
Oh I loooove this!! So healthy and bright! Yum!
Jessica
Thanks so much, Hillary! I'm going to bask in the last few short weeks of summer by picking on this until it's boots and scarves season!
Sheena Smith
I never thought to add spinach to a pastaa salad, great idea! This look delicious, I have a bbq coming up, I think I know what I will be making for it!
Jessica
Thank you, Sheena! Let me know how it goes if you wind up making it 😀
Denise
ah those little "butterfies" look so yummy 🙂
By the way: I really like the salad spoons you're using!
Jessica
Thanks, Denise! The salad spoons were a favor at my friend's bridal shower! They came in quite handy 🙂
Amber
Tomatoes and mozzarella are a favorite of mine! Pinning for later! Yum!
Jessica
Thank you for the pin! I've been trying to like tomatoes more so pairing them with pasta and cheese made it a little easier 🙂
Leigh Suznovich
Looks so good, can't wait to try this! It makes my Italian heart happy 🙂
Jessica
Haha thanks, Leigh! I love Italian flavors and knew this pasta salad would be a winner 🙂 it might even be better with some Italian meats!
Angie Wilson
Bravo girlie! Love this Shoppertunity.
http://thefashionfuse.com
Jessica
Thank you very much, Angie!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
For some reason I find it a lot easier to eat healthy in the summer.. I think it's because it's so hot out, so I crave fruits and salads. This pasta salad is right up my alley! LOVE the fresh spinach, tomatoes and touch of mozzarella for some cheesy decadence! I could eat this as a meal for sure! Cheers, girl!
P.S. CONGRATS on the engagement!!! Super excited for you!!!! <3
Jessica
Yayyyyy thank you!! I'm too fricken excited about it too 😀 I love going to farmer's markets in the summer and just find it overall a better time to get fresh fruits and veggies so that's probably why I crave more fruits and veg and less chili and homemade soups. Although I am kind of excited about soup and crockpot season!
Ducks 'n a Row (@SineaPies)
Wow, this salad will not last long in our house! I had better make a double batch. Looks SO yummy!
Sinea♥
Jessica
Aw, thank you Sinea!! I wish I had made a double batch...then maybe I would've been able to eat it more than once!
carmen
Now that looks absolutely scrumptious! I love the color. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Jessica
Thanks so much, Carmen! I loved making and photographing this recipe!
Louisa
This salad looks delicious! I'll have to try this recipe soon.
Jessica
Thanks, Louisa! Let me know if you try it!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
This looks great! Super fresh, perfect for summer!
Jessica
Thank you! I plan on soaking up the last few weeks of summer and making a batch or two more of this stuff!
Sara Putney
This looks so delicious and so easy! I cannot wait to try it.
Jessica
Thanks, Sara! I might need to make another batch before the summer is over!
Tori
Everything about this looks/sounds delicious! I am definitely adding this to our menu for next week!
Jessica
Thanks so much, Tori!! I hope you love it!
Sharon
I am thrilled to find this recipe. I am going to substitute heart of palm noodles to cut down on carbs, can't wait to enjoy this at lunch! Thank you for sharing!
Jenniffer | Life is Messy and Brilliant
This is awesome! I can totally make it vegan with non-dairy cheese. <3
Jessica
Thanks! And that is a super simple swap!
Katie
This looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica
Thanks, Katie!!
Christine
Looks so delicious, I'll definitely want to try this out as well!
Jessica
Thank you! Let me know if you give it a try!
Leslie
With three kids in tow, I'm always looking for ways to consolidate shopping trips. That pasta salad looks declicious!
Jessica
Thanks, Leslie! I can imagine how difficult that must be!
Kell @ All Mum Said
Looks so fresh! Perfect for lunches or a side dish for dinner.
Jessica
Thanks, Kell! That's exactly what we did!
candy
Perfect salad, I have everything growing in the garden and just made fresh mozzarella. Making for dinner tonight.
Jessica
I can't wait to get back home and pick more veggies from my garden for this too!