Tortellini Salad With Fresh Herb And Tomato Vinaigrette Food

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.

WARM GARLIC & HERB TORTELLINI SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Toss together the peppers, fennel, onions, oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook as the label directs; drain. Combine in a large bowl with the roasted vegetables and cool slightly.
• Add the spinach, salami and Italian Herb & Garlic Dressing to the bowl and toss. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the basil and fennel fronds.

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.

FRESH BASIL TORTELLINI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook tortellini as directed on package.
• Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Mix remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.
• Add tortellini and toss until well combined.
• Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• Toss again before serving with additional parmesan cheese.