Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad Whole Foods Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
• Salt, for boiling water (about 1 tablespoon)
• 8 ounces fresh smoked mozzarella, cubed or torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (seeds removed)
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed preferred
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
• 1/4 cup fresh arugula or baby spinach
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup cooked and cooled chickpeas