Tortellini Pesto Salad

Wonderful pasta salad. So different from the Italian dressing pasta salads. Very hearty side dish or main dish for lunch. Crunchy veggies and rich pesto sauce.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 383 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
• 1 bunch fresh spinach leaves
• ¼ cup prepared basil pesto
• 1 small red bell pepper, julienned
• ⅓ cup shredded carrots
• ¾ cup broccoli florets, blanched
• ⅓ cup pitted green olives

Recipe Instructions

Step 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.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix the cooked tortellini, red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, olives, and garlic.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, pesto, milk, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and vinegar. 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.