CHIPOTLE MOZZARELLA PASTA SALAD

Chipotle Mozzarella Pasta Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 2h30m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound rotini or fusilli
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole milk
2 to 3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 to 3 teaspoons chopped chiles in adobo sauce (from canned chipotles in adobo sauce)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups red and/or yellow grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and chopped
12 ounces mozzarella (fresh or smoked), cut into small cubes
24 fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish

Steps:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it, rinse under cool water and set aside in a large bowl.
Combine the mayonnaise and milk in a medium bowl, then add 2 tablespoons vinegar and stir until smooth. Add the chipotles in adobo sauce and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Stir the dressing until combined. Give it a taste and add more vinegar if you'd like it to have a bit more bite. Add more adobo sauce if you'd like it to have a little more heat.
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta, then throw in the tomatoes and cucumber and add the cheese. Stir the pasta around, then add the basil and stir until just combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with more basil.