Arugula, Spinach, and Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Arugula-Spinach-and-Mozzarella-Pasta

May.  It’s almost over…and I’ve only done one other post!  Sorry!  Have you missed the recipes?  OK, I’ll assume yes.  I read in a friend’s blog recently that May is the busiest month of the year, even over December!  And yes…I totally agree.

Arugula Spinach and Mozzarella Pasta Salad | WorldofPastabilities.com

Between Mother’s Day (my favorite day in May :)), Confirmations, every team and class “end of the school year” celebration, and the general winding down of most every other organized group or volunteer job, this month has flown by and I’m officially ready for summer.  And summer means bring on the pasta salads!

Arugula Spinach and Mozzarella Pasta | WorldofPastabilities.com

This Arugula, Spinach, and Mozzarella Pasta Salad is a combination of everything summer represents.  Fresh and bright baby greens, fresh mint, fresh mozzarella, and colorful pasta…tossed in a light and delicious vinaigrette…yum.

Arugula Spinach and Mozzarella Pasta | WorldofPastabilities.com

My inspiration came from a dish we shared on our trip to Sonoma last month for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary.  On the drive up through Sonoma Valley, we stopped at a landmark restaurant, The Fremont Diner, a casual, unassuming dive on the side of the road amongst acres of farmland. (see selfie below!)  We’d heard, “You have to go there!” And yum, yum, it did not disappoint.

Fremont Diner | WorldofPastabilities.com

For a place so laid back, I wasn’t expecting this quality of food.  But wait, once you remember you are in California, you must make a “foodie” radar adjustment.  It this state, regular looking places are churning out all kinds of current, hip, farm to table food, and making it look effortless.  And the stakes are high.

Arugula Spinach and Mozzarella Pasta |WorldofPastabilities.com

The Diner’s dish was an appetizer starring Burrata (a mozzarella with a solid mozzarella outside and a creamy mozzarella center), fresh beautiful micro greens (hello CA!), pea shoots, and sugar snaps.  It was tossed with a tangy vinaigrette and served with buttered grilled fresh bread.  Enjoyed outside on a gravel patio under a colorful picnic table and umbrella on a perfectly sunny, but not too hot, typical California day.  What could be better than that?

Arugula, Spinach, and Mozzarella Pasta Salad Comparison | WorldofPastabilities.com

Back in Nashville, I couldn’t get this salad off my mind.  I knew it would translate into one of my go-to pasta salads for this season.  And we all loved it!  I combined ingredients that are readily available here at our grocery stores.  It goes like this:  baby arugula and baby spinach, fresh mint, green onions, blanched sugar snaps, and Buffalo mozzarella torn into small bites.  Vineyard Pasta, grape clusters and leaves, was the perfect choice for the pasta shape and also my “nod” to the great wine country.  I created a white wine lemon vinaigrette and just tossed it all together…simple, fresh, and beautiful!

Enjoy summer entertaining and do some California Dreamin’!

Print

Arugula, Spinach, and Mozzarella Pasta Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

Fresh as a sunny summer day! Light and delicious salad with a tangy vinaigrette mixes flavors that will delight your tastebuds!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz. bag of Vineyard Pasta (can substitute any short shape)
  • 12 oz. Bufffalo mozzarella, torn into bite size pieces
  • 4 oz. baby arugula
  • 4 oz. baby spinach, any thick stems removed
  • 8 oz. sugar snaps, blanched and sliced diagonally
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • 2 oz. fresh mint leaves, julienned
  • Vinaigrette
  • 6 T. white wine vinegar
  • 2 T. fresh lemon juice
  • 4 oz (8 Tbs.) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp. dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse with cold water, and toss lightly with olive oil.
  2. Blanch sugar snaps in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain, and place in a bowl full of ice water, to stop cooking and enhance color! Take about 1/4 of the sugar snaps and carefully expose the peas with a knife. Slice the balance diagonally. The vinaigrette gets trapped in the crevices and tastes great!
  3. Make vinaigrette by adding all ingredients in a glass jar with lid and shake for one minute. Or combine all ingredients except oil in a food processor. Turn on and add oil slowly until dressing is emulsified. Just takes a few minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste. NOTE: You will not use all the dressing! I use about 3/4 of it for this recipe…save the rest for another salad!
  4. In a large bowl, combine greens, mint, snaps, and mozzarella. Add dressing and gently toss until thoroughly mixed.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

If making a few hours ahead, keep in fridge. Because our pasta is porous you may need to add additional dressing! The pasta absorbs the vinaigrette.

 

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76 Comments

  1. Presley on October 20, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    This vinaigrette with your vineyard pasta and all of the veggies= Home Run!






  2. Kathy B. on October 20, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    Wonderful recipe with all of the green additions to the pasta!






  3. Michelle Taylor on June 4, 2015 at 12:46 am

    This salad sounds absolutely delicious! The flavors seem like they would all come together just perfect. The shaped pasta would be perfect for those who have little ones at home! This is a must try for me! Thank you!






  4. Kathryn Hoehn on June 3, 2015 at 11:13 pm

    this looks really good – I will try soon!

  5. Sara Kleipe on June 3, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    omg those peas look so fresh! I can’t wait to make this and try it! Thanks for sharing!

  6. Solange on June 3, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    Yum! Perfect summer pasta salad that’s refreshing and healthy!

  7. Katie B on June 3, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    Wait… “vineyard” pasta… Took me a FEW seconds… It’s GRAPES! LOL

  8. Guss on June 3, 2015 at 8:10 pm

    I’d love to have this! ‪#‎WackyWednesday‬ I’m going to try making it!

  9. Wanda McHenry on June 3, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    This salad screams summer!

  10. Jessee Robertson Thompson on June 3, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    Where in the world have I been? These pasta are the cutest thing EVER. This will help me encourage my two year to eat healthier foods.






    • carey on June 4, 2015 at 7:13 am

      Thanks Jessee! I agree. Our pasta shapes are fun for all ages.

  11. cassandra berholtz on June 3, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    This sounds so good. I will make this this weekend for sure after I go to market and some fresh greens!






  12. Tanya Williams on June 3, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    I would definitely devour this! 😉






  13. Elizabeth C on June 3, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    Thanks for the idea. I’m gonna use it as a base recipe and change it a bit (remove the ingredients family member dislikes). It looks great, too, with such a pretty pasta shape. thnx!






  14. Candace Galan-Calderon on June 3, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    This looks so yummy, light and refreshing! Love that you used the Vineyard pasta!






  15. Linda Knight on June 3, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    Now that really looks good! Pinning that recipe and a few others!






    • carey on June 4, 2015 at 7:13 am

      Thanks for pinning Linda.

  16. Jessica Coker on June 3, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    Love this recipe

  17. Jennifer Souveroff on June 3, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    It looks like the perfect pasta salad for any Summer get together!






  18. Claudia Smigel on June 3, 2015 at 2:57 pm

    oh this looks yummy will be on my side dish for my BBQ

  19. Randi Nemeroff on June 3, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    this has my mouth watering, definitely saving this recipe for use later this summer!






  20. Shala Kerrigan on June 3, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    That looks delicious, and a lot of the ingredients are growing in my garden!






  21. Malia W on June 3, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    All your recipes are so creative ..thanks for posting






  22. KARI on June 3, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    Yum! I’m printing this one!

  23. Alisson H. on June 3, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    Seems like a refreshing dish! #‎WackyWednesday‬






  24. Toni Davis on June 3, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    This sounds like a perfect dish for the hot summer! So refreshing with all those lovely greens, and you can’t beat pasta and mozzarella!

  25. Edith Duncan on June 3, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    This looks delish.






  26. carol naes on June 3, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    looks good, will have to try it






  27. wendy sulek on June 3, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    Looks delicious!






  28. Kari Judd on June 3, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    The Arugula, Spinach, and Mozzarella Pasta Salad Looks so Amazing!! Now I know what I am having for Lunch today!






  29. Rob Fiorenza on June 3, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    can’t wait to try this






  30. surveyname on June 3, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    Pasta is my favorite food to eat daily.

  31. SHARON MARTIN on June 3, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    THIS SALAD LOOKS HEALTHY AND I WOULD LOVE TO TRY THIS RECIPE……….#‎WackyWednesday

  32. Renee J. on June 3, 2015 at 12:49 pm

    Yum!!! Healthy and delicious summer dish and love that you added sugar snaps! My grandpa and I used to love picking out fresh pea pods from his garden and incorporate them in different recipes. I need to add this one on my list!






  33. Jessica Sudduth on June 3, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    This looks deliciously amazing!






  34. Nancy Maramonte on June 3, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    Great summer dish!

  35. Kirsten on June 3, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    You’ve really made this salad look and sound delicious.

  36. Kirch on June 3, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Looks so delicious..Love to try it! 🙂

  37. Diane Miller on June 3, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    What a approrite dish looks delicious for National Italian Day

  38. Nicole Ford on June 3, 2015 at 11:53 am

    so yummy I love it






  39. Judy Boyd on June 3, 2015 at 11:39 am

    This looks light, refreshing, and delicious! Right now I have to settle for a grilled cheese, but can’t wait to try this!






  40. Kay on June 3, 2015 at 11:19 am

    I was looking for a pasta and greens recipe for this week! Thanks so much for this one, which I plan to try right away!






  41. Jill Eastman on June 3, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Looks yummy…..might have to try this tomorrow…..

  42. Amber Stewart on June 3, 2015 at 11:16 am

    This looks amazing 🙂 Yum!






  43. Kim Davis on June 3, 2015 at 11:09 am

    I love summer pasta salads and this one looks delicious, Can’t wait to try it,






  44. Jacqueline Silver-Morillo on June 3, 2015 at 11:09 am

    Looks delicious, definitely good for the summer!






  45. Sandra U. on June 3, 2015 at 11:08 am

    Oh my goodness, YES!!! That looks so delicious and something I must try!






  46. Jennifer Essad on June 3, 2015 at 10:41 am

    we’re trying different takes on salads this summer, enjoying the arugula and baby spinach mix already, can’t wait to try your recipe #WackyWednesday






  47. Amie Olson on June 3, 2015 at 10:40 am

    I would leave out the arugula, looks yummy then.






  48. Rose Kirch on June 3, 2015 at 10:38 am

    Great and perfect healthy dish for summer..Can’t wait to try for the family..kids would love the colorful salad..YUMMY 🙂

  49. Lori Williams on June 3, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe! Hubby and I are trying so hard to stay away from “bad” carbs, and even lower our total carb intake. He has diabetes and it is really effecting his whole body. PLUS I can certainly afford to loose some weight. This recipe looks and sound delicious, and I believe hubby will be satisfied with it. Thank you again!! #WackyWednesday <3

  50. Robin Derenberger on June 3, 2015 at 10:18 am

    That looks so good! I’m definitely going to make it for my family. Hopefully the kids will like it too. I am always trying to find a way to get them to eat anything green, lol.






  51. Sean Fiorenza on June 3, 2015 at 10:15 am

    looks really good and healthy fresh






  52. MELISSA MARCUM on June 3, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Thanks for sharing this, it looks delicious 🙂 ‪#‎WackyWednesday‬

  53. Marie Beauregard on June 3, 2015 at 10:01 am

    Oh how yummy, refreshing and good-for-me this looks. I am saving in my recipe bookmark

  54. Nancy Fiorenza on June 3, 2015 at 10:00 am

    wow this looks so yummy I love peas






  55. Michael G. on June 3, 2015 at 9:41 am

    Very tasty stuff here!

  56. Crystal Shuler on June 3, 2015 at 9:40 am

    This looks delicious. Perfect for summer entertaining

  57. Jennifer Woosley on June 3, 2015 at 9:18 am

    I love how light and summery this looks! Perfect to take to a bbq!

  58. nicole margrif on June 3, 2015 at 9:12 am

    Looks delicious and love snow peas for the extra crunchy.






  59. angela grogan on June 3, 2015 at 9:07 am

    Definitely trying this it looks delicious






  60. Teresa Harvey on June 3, 2015 at 8:48 am

    I’d omit argula but love the rest.






  61. Nicole on June 3, 2015 at 8:41 am

    Looks perfect for summer!

  62. Crystal Jo Bruns on June 3, 2015 at 8:37 am

    This recipe looks amazing! YUM! Can’t wait to try it.

  63. Jennifer Hedden on June 3, 2015 at 8:13 am

    This recipe looks so fresh and delicious! I will definitely be making this! I love Buffalo mozzarella and sugar snaps! Yum! Thank you for sharing another amazing recipe!

  64. Sheba Kendrick on June 3, 2015 at 8:03 am

    So colorful and fresh looking!

  65. lynn erschen schwartz on June 3, 2015 at 7:55 am

    This looks yummy!

  66. lisa mcfarland on June 3, 2015 at 7:16 am

    this looks delicious

  67. Terri Warwick on June 3, 2015 at 6:42 am

    Thanks as i will for sure make this for my family reunion coming up!






  68. Carmela Capano on June 3, 2015 at 6:39 am

    A great summer dish!

  69. ReneeHendersonGray on June 3, 2015 at 6:30 am

    Looks delicious

  70. Pauline Vrbanic on June 3, 2015 at 6:26 am

    This is definitely going on my ‘to make ‘ list!

  71. Barbara Hoffmann on June 3, 2015 at 6:21 am

    Looks delicious. Thanks for a great salad recipe!

  72. Kari Wagoner on June 3, 2015 at 6:20 am

    Looks so good!!

  73. Kathleen Walsh on June 3, 2015 at 6:18 am

    Looks like a great recipe for summer salad!!

    • Andrea Workman on June 3, 2015 at 7:39 am

      Sounds amazing!

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