Tangy Tortellini Salad

Stanley Park in Westfield, MA
(File Photo)

Pasta, any variety, always tastes delicious!  Layered between a meat sauce or with mozzarella/ricotta, parmesan or cottage cheeses, Pasta has always been a fave.  So, it not really surprising that in the warmer months Tangy Tortellini Salad finds its place as a side dish on our dinner table!  It has always made its presence on our large array of foods whenever we have a summer gathering.  It's one of those faves that after a very enjoyable afternoon chatting it up with family/friends just maybe a small portion may be located in my fridge after everyone has departed.  Yum! 

Tortellini Salad is a very easy salad to prep - which always makes it a picnic fave for me!  It starts with a 12 ounce bag (or 2, depending on the needed amount ) of tri-colored frozen Tortellini!

Tangy Tortellini Salad

Ingredients:
12 ounce bag (or 2) frozen Tri-colored Tortellini
Italian Salad Dressing - 8 oz.
Parsley, chopped
Chopped Onion
Garlic Powder
Black Olives, sliced - optional and delicious

Method:

1. Prepare Tortellini following directions on bag.
2. Drain, rinse with Cold water.
3. Place in bowl.
4. Add about 1/2 Cup Italian Salad Dressing.
5. Add desired amount of chopped Parsley, chopped onion + Garlic Powder.
6. Add about 1/2 Cup Black Olives, sliced, optional. 
7. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for 6 hours.
8. Add additional Italian Dressing, if desired.

Do you have a fave summer salad in addition to a veggie salad or a fruit salad?

We Enjoy!
Yummy!

     

Free FUN FRIDAYS in MA

Earlier today while making the Tortellini Salad for dinner I was reminiscing about our recent visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.  It's wonderful to stop in while visiting our son in the city.  :)  My fam knows all too well that I loose track of time whenever I have the opportunity to learn more and get a bit of culture! 

Learning while having fun!  Summer is a great time to continue to learn about new topics and also investigate a bit more.  For those of you who live in Massachusetts or plan to travel to Massachusetts this summer you may be interested in the opportunities that the Highland Street Foundation is offering -  Free FUN Fridays 2011.  Each Friday this summer, there are a group of interesting places throughout MA to visit - free of charge.  In the brochure each Friday date is listed and color coded with the locations that can be visited without paying an admission.  Click on any specific cultural attraction to learn more about it. 

As I was thinking about the cultural attractions that we have visited in the past that are included on this wonderful list, the tri-colored tortellini were boiling away.  The Springfield Museums and Museum of Fine Arts Boston are two of my faves, just as Tangy Tortellini Salad is always a summertime treat.  A package of frozen Tortellini is a start to this fave salad.  The directions are easy and easy is good!

Tangy Tortellini Salad

Ingredients:

(1) pkg. frozen Tri-colored Tortellini (12 oz.)

Italian Salad Dressing
1/4 Cup Black Olives, cut in half
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon chopped Parsley

Method:

1. Prepare Tortellini according to the directions on the package.
2. Drain, rinse with cold water, drain again.
3. Place Tortellini in a bowl.
4. Add about 1/2 Cup Italian Salad Dressing, stir.
5. Add Black Olives, cut in half.
6. Add Garlic Powder & Parsley, stir.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, stirring once or twice.
8. If needed, add a little more Italian Salad Dressing before serving.

This is a great pasta salad to enjoy along with dinner on a hot summer evening!  And ... a little culture is both fascinating and informative!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

         

It’s Tangy Tortellini Salad Time!

July is here! Happy Fourth of July!!! Yes, the outdoor grill has been used and it’s time for outdoor picnics!

My recipe for Tangy Tortellini Salad has been retrieved. Later this afternoon the necessary ingredients to make this easy, delicious, colorful salad to enjoy on the Fourth of July will be purchased!

Tangy Tortellini Salad is prepared with a 12-ounce package of frozen Tri-colored Cheese Tortellini and Italian Salad Dressing. I also add in 1/8 tsp. Garlic Powder, 1 TBS. Chopped Parsley and ¼ Cup Black Olives (sliced in half). These ingredients are optional, but my family likes them. This salad is definitely a family favorite!

Easy Directions:

1. Prepare the Tortellini according to the directions on the package.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water and drain again.
3. Place the Tortellini in a bowl.
4. Add about ½ cup of Italian Salad Dressing and stir.
5. Add any optional ingredients.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, stirring once or twice.
7. Before serving add extra Italian Salad Dressing, if needed.
8. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Enjoy!
Yummy!
Happy Fourth of July!!!