Tortellini Salad With Avocado Vinaigrette Food

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH FRESH HERB AND TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. When fully cooked, drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and allow to cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, in a nonreactive mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, herbs, shallots, lemon juice, and remaining 1 1/4 cups olive oil. Mix to combine and season with gray salt and pepper to combine. When the tortellini have cooled to room temperature toss with the vinaigrette.
• To serve, line the perimeter of a large serving platter with overlapping slices of the mozzarella. Spoon the tortellini salad in the center and scatter the arugula leaves over the top.

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH AVOCADO DRESSING

Steps:

• Toss all of the ingredients together and serve immediately.

TORTELLINI SALAD

Steps:

• Start by defrosting/cooking the cheese tortellini in a pot of boiling water. The tortellini are ready when they float in the water and are heated through. Move them to a colander to drain, and set aside.
• Drain and coarsely chop the black olives (you can use pre-chopped olives to save time). Peel the onion, de-seed the pepper, and coarsely chop them as well.
• Place chopped vegetables and cheese tortellini in a large bowl. Sprinkle desired amount of cheese (feta or mozzarella) and the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetables and tortellini, and then toss it all together. If you are using mozzarella cheese, it will probably melt a bit, which is fine.
• Give the salad a taste, and add salt and pepper as desired. You may also want to add more olive oil or vinegar, depending on your preference. You can eat the salad right away, warm, or save it for later and eat it cold. The flavors will meld and (in my opinion) get better with time, so make sure you make enough for leftovers!

AVOCADO SALAD WITH WARM TOMATO-BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine the tomatoes, basil, vinegar, olive oil, mustard and salt and pepper.
• Heat thoroughly bring to a simmer.
• Immediately remove from heat.
• Slice the avocados and place on the soft lettuce on individual salad plates.
• spoon on the warm vinaigrette and serve immediately.

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND FRESH BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the olive oil, basil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl large enough to hold the salad.
• Cook the asparagus in 4 quarts boiling water seasoned with 1 tablespoon salt until tender, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer the asparagus to a colander using a slotted spoon (do not discard the boiling water).
• Shake out any excess water and toss with the vinaigrette.
• Return the water to a boil, add the tortellini, and cook until tender, following the package directions.
• Drain the tortellini thoroughly, then toss while hot with the asparagus and dressing.
• Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
• Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Just before serving, stir the toasted pine nuts, tomatoes, and Parmesan into the salad and season with salt and pepper.

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH FRESH BASIL AND TOMATOES IN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the Vinaigrette: Whir first five ingredients in blender until smooth. Drizzle thin stream of olive oil in until all is emulsified. Set aside.
• Boil tortellini according to directions, drain, rinse in cold water to stop the cooking. Spread cooked pasta out on a jelly roll pan, drizzle with the good olive oil and sprinkle with pepper; stir up to coat tortellini with oil. This prevents the pasta from going glue-y when added to the rest of the salad ingredients. Set aside, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to a couple hours.
• In a very large bowl, place quartered tomatoes, feta cheese crumbles, scallions, and pour about half the vinaigrette over, tossing gently. Refrigerate the tomato mixture until 2-3 hours before serving.
• About 2-3 hours before serving, toss the oiled tortellini with the tomato mixture, add a bit more dressing, if you think it needs it. Refrigerate. Just before serving, toss the fresh basil with the tortellini-tomato mixture. Serve.

AVOCADO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• The Vinaigrette: To make the vinaigrette, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and salt and pepper to taste in a screw top jar, and shake well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning, to taste.
• The Avocado: Cut the avocados in half lengthways and gently twist the halves to separate. To remove the seed, insert a sharp knife into it, then twist and lift out.
• Brush the surfaces with lemon juice and place the avocado halves on 4 serving plates, shake the dressing again and drizzle it evenly over the avocado halves.
• Serve with buttered toast triangles (more traditional) or warm crusty rolls.
• Notes: An avocado is ripe if it feels a little soft when held in your hand. To help ripen an avocado, put it in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple and store in an airy spot. You can now buy avocados that don't discolour when cut, but are they, I wonder, genetically modified?

TORTELLINI WITH AVOCADO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Cook tortellini in boiling water according to packet instructions. Drain, set aside and keep warm.
• Place avocado, cream, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Season to taste with black pepper.
• Place tortellini in a warm serving bowl, add avocado cream and toss to combine.
• Serve immediately.