Tortellini Salad With Spinach Pesto & Tomatoes Recipe

"A great yet simple pasta dish. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, BBQ's etc. And, if you want. Add chicken or shrimp to this, to make it a main dish. Now, I make a spinach pesto for this; which I think makes all the difference; but, it is not difficult to prepare. And, I also like the combination of using both sun dried tomatoes and fresh tomatoes. Prep time does not include time for the pesto to rest in the refrigerator."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Pesto ... Add the walnuts to the food processor; and, pulse a couple of times to lightly break them up. Then, add the spinach, garlic, shallot, cheese, lemon juice or white wine vinegar, and herbs to a food processor; and, pulse until everything is coarse chopped. Drizzle in the olive oil, a little at a time; until the pesto has a smooth consistency. Stop and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, transfer to a bowl; cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest. I actually prefer to use a small tupperware container; but, use what you have. I like the pesto to rest 30 minutes to an hour before adding it to the salad.

Step 2

Tortellini ... Cook according to package directions, in plenty of salted water. Once the pasta is done; drain, and rinse under cool water. Then transfer to a bowl.

Step 3

Finish and Garnish ... Add the sun dried tomatoes and fresh tomatoes to the cooled tortellini; along with 1 cup of the pesto; and, toss. Taste and season if necessary with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, and the 'crunched up' croutons. You can make your own croutons; or, just buy a good quality one. Add them to a small ziploc bag; and crunch them up. NO, you aren't making bread crumbs ... just a coarse crumble. Added to the pasta salad; they, add a nice texture. You can also add chopped scallions if you want as well.

Step 5

Serve and ENJOY! ... As I mentioned, add chicken or shrimp to make it a main dish; or serve as a side salad. Delicious and easy. Also, any extra pesto; is great on sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas; or, made into a vinaigrette for your favorite green salad - Lots of possibilities.