Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Tortellini Pesto Salad

This is SOOOOO good. I have taken it to a lot of summer gatherings and everyone loves it. You could add any vegetables you like. YUM!!!


INGREDIENTS:
1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
1 small red bell pepper, julienned
3/4 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/3 cup shredded carrots
1/3 cup pitted green olives
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 bunch fresh spinach leaves

DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place tortellini in the pot, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked tortellini, red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, olives, and garlic. (I like to chop up the veggies really small so that it's easier for my kids to eat)
3. Prepare pesto and pour over the tortellini and vegetables, and gently toss to coat. Cover, and place in the refrigerator 1 hour, until chilled. Serve over spinach leaves.

(I add the spinach leaves to the salad and stir it all together)

6 comments:

Ann Dee said...

I've never used tortellini before. Where do you buy it? I've seen it at costco but those are huge packages.

Kenon said...

They have small packages at the grocery store in the meat/cheese section.

MediocreMama said...

I think I need to let everyone know: THIS. IS. SO. GOOD. I made it for dinner last night and Tod said it was the best pasta salad I've made. Additionally, his buddy Jeremy ate dinner with us and said, "Holly, this is probably the best pasta salad I've ever had." I grilled chicken and threw it in there as well to make it a main course. EVERYONE SHOULD TRY THIS! Perfect for summer! Thanks, Kenon.

Katy said...

I couldn't find the pesto sauce. Ugh. I looked all over in the italian section. Anyone?

MediocreMama said...

The pesto sauce I found was in a refrigerated section right by all the tortellini.

Kenon said...

You can find it in the packets and then you don't have to buy a big thing of it. It is with the other mixes...like alfredo sauce, taco seasoning, etc.