Classic Tortellini Salad
I think I’ve been talking about summer for weeks. Finally, the real kick off to summer is here! Memorial day weekend. Somehow, NJ has decided it’s actually winter again. We are having a chilly and very wet weekend. I really didn’t want to turn the heat on again, but here we are. You just never know these days.
Obviously, these are not real concerns and weather, BBQs, and patriotic clothing are really not the focus of the weekend. So many of our brothers and sisters are remembering a loved one who sacrificed his or her life for our freedom. It’s something I quickly forget, but so important to take time to remember. I pray we can honor them as we love one another and continue to grow together, not taking for granted those freedoms which were passed on to us.
Of course, it is a sobering memory, but we celebrate those lives together with friends and family during this weekend. It’s an exciting time of year, especially this year. Life feels a little more normal after the chaos the last year (plus) has brought us. I think we all value family and friends even more than we did before pandemic times.
So, while remembering those who have gone before us and celebrating their lives, we all love to get together and enjoy great company and good food, right? It hasn’t been quite barbecuing weather here, but we are just doing it anyway. Another fact you already know about me is that I love pasta. Pasta a cheese. Even better. You need a good pasta salad for your BBQ this weekend, or any summer get together! It’s a staple and always good to have a recipe on hand.
Really, pasta salad is so simple. Chop up the veggies and other goodies and toss it with some pasta and dressing. My tips for success- use tortellini. It’s a great texture and has cheese already inside! Win. You can totally use regular pasta, but I love this with tortellini. Another tip- use your own dressing recipe or use Good Seasons Italian Dressing. You buy the seasoning packet and mix it with oil and vinegar. I love this because the ingredients are a little better and you can adjust the vinegar depending on what you’re making. For pasta salad, I always use white balsamic or red wine vinegar. It just looks better when the pasta is light in color. If you’re a fan of balsamic the white one is still tasty! Lastly, add the dressing in small amounts a few times to give the ingredients time to soak it in, but add some right at the end to make sure the flavor is robust and everything is coated evenly!
I hope you enjoy this classic. And if you change it up a little, good for you! May your BBQs be many and your memories be happy.
Thank you to those who have given their lives for our freedom to live and to celebrate. Happy Memorial day!
Classic Tortellini Salad
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs tortellini
- 1 packet Italian Good Seasons dressing make as directed with white balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1/2 red pepper chopped
- 1/2 cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 2-3 oz pepperoni or salami
- 1/4 cup kalamata or black olives
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- handful of arugula or spinach
- salt/pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini as directed- this will vary depending on if you are using dry, fresh, or frozen. Any will do! You can also use regular pasta if you prefer.
- Prepare Good Seasons dressing as directed using white balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar. Balsamic is always my favorite but the color can make the pasta look very brown and not so appetizing, so something white or red is better! Set aside dressing.
- Prepare the vegetables by chopping into small or smaller than bite sized pieces.
- For the pepperoni, make sure it is sliced thinly and then halved or quartered. I like cutting the mozzarella in half too, but that is a preference.
- Once the tortellini has cooled, add a little bit of dressing just to moisten it.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients and then more of the dressing. Save a little dressing for the last minute, right before serving. Toss it together and enjoy!
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