Saturday, August 25, 2012

Tortellini Salad

 
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."
 
~ Albert Einstein
 



O.K. so it's August 25th. August to me means summer. We have one whole week left of it. Everywhere around me I see pumpkins, and apple pies and Halloween. But hey, it's not really fall yet. I want to say, "take it easy, fall will come soon enough." I'm working on being present, so here now in the moment, it's summer and I want to enjoy it till I can't anymore.
 

I purchased this fresh cheese tortellini at Trader Joe's for about the same price as dried. I liked it.


So, you know, since it is summer, I bring you a great summer salad. Easy to make and full of awesome stuff most people love.


I bought my salami at Trader Joe's too, then cut it in chunks.


I used salami but you can easily leave it out if you have any vegetarians. This salad also has fresh spinach cut into slivers so it sort of disappears when it's tossed with the other ingredients and the dressing. The fresh basil and tomatoes add a burst of freshness.




It's so easy to make too! Just throw it all together. The most difficult thing to do is cook the tortellini and chop a little veg.

May you enjoy these last days of summer, whatever you do. Weather it's eating a cold salad, or enjoying a warm pumpkin pie.






Tortellini Salad


This is an original recipe by me, Melissa, The Alchemist


Ingredients

2 -  9 or 10 oz packages of fresh or dried cheese tortellini - Cooked according to package directions, rinsed and cooled slightly.

A bunch of fresh spinach - about a bag of it. I used some from Paradise Organics fresh picked from the farm, so I didn't measure it.

2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese - or a little more to taste -sorry I didn't weigh this! About a handful.

A dry pint (2 cups) (170 g.) of cherry tomatoes - washed and halved

2 - 2 oz. (a total of 117 g.) cans sliced black olives, drained

8 oz. (227 g.) salami or pepperoni, diced in bite sized chunks

Fresh basil - washed and cut into slivers - to taste, about a small handful of leaves

Italian Salad Dressing to taste - Use something good. I used Paul Newman's Olive oil and Vinegar dressing since it's my husbands favorite - about a cup, maybe a little more, I didn't measure.

Optional -artichoke hearts would not be amiss here, but sadly, I was about to add some, from a can, I opened them and wow, they had no taste at all, so I didn't add them. Next time I might add the type that are marinated in a jar.


Directions

Wash and dry the spinach and cut it into about 1 or 2 inch slices. Add the cooked tortellini to a large bowl and all the rest of the ingredients except the salad dressing. Start with a smaller amount of spinach if you think you may have a lot. Toss it all together. Add salad dressing to coat lightly. Taste it and add salt and pepper to taste. Add more spinach if you think it needs it. If you are going to put it in the fridge for later, I'd do it now with a light coat of dressing so the flavors can marry. If you are going to eat it now, go ahead and more dressing if you think it needs it.

18 comments:

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

This looks great!! Can't wait to try it out :)

Unknown said...

This looks sooooo yummy!!! I love tortellini! Thanks for sharing this recipe! I'm your newest follower - can't wait to see what you post next!

~Jen @ YummyHealthyEasy.blogspot.com

madge | the vegetarian casserole queen said...

I'm totally with you on trying to preserve summer!!! I've been making summer-y stuff in retaliation, as well.

This pasta salad looks great. I love any excuse to eat tortellini!

kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor said...

Long live summer, indeed. This is such a beautiful salad! I've featured you on today's Tuesday Ten: http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/08/new-tuesday-ten.html

Thanks for linking up yesterday!
{HUGS},
kristi

kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor said...

Thanks for spotting that link error! I *think* it's working 100% now! Have a great week! ;)

Julie said...

Your salad looks fabulous! I've pinned this for future reference. I'm visiting from I Should Be Mopping the Floor. I'd love for you to share this at my party. http://www.thisgalcooks.com/2012/08/marvelous-mondays-link-party-9.html

Have a fabulous evening. :)

Julie

Niki said...

Oh yum! This looks absolutely fabulous. So glad you linked it to the Marvelous Monday link party.

Lisa@BlessedwithGrace said...

This pasta salad looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing and linking to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Julie said...

Just stopping by to thank you for sharing this on Marvelous Mondays! Have a fabulous days!

Julie

Miz Helen said...

Hope you are enjoying the Oregon Coast as much as we did. Your Tortellini Salad looks delicious, we would love this salad. Your recipe looks great! Hope you are having a fabulous holiday week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen

Anonymous said...

I made this salad for Father's Day dinner. I added the marinated artichoke hearts, and everyone loved it! Thank you for a great recipe!

Unknown said...

I pinned this awhile back and decided today was a good day to try it out. I dragged my husband to the grocery store and he helped me wonder around, getting all the ingredients. I am considering adding grilled chicken since my husband like a lot of meat with his meal.

Unknown said...

I made this salad and my family devoured it. We are making it again this week.

Unknown said...

Made this last night. found the link on pinterest.
I added some kalmata olives and marinated artichoke hearts. It was delish, used it as an entree salad along with some french bread and it was a tasty dinner. Will def put this in the rotation as it was so quick to pull together.

Unknown said...

Just made a batch of this for a bbq this afternoon, it is absolutely delicious. I had to put a small container away for my lunch tomorrow. I added some marinaded artichoke hearts and wow! I think we found a new family favorite! Great post.

Shelie said...

I'm making this, it looks delish!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Kudos! This creation of yours is so so good! I made this for the first time this afternoon in prep for a family gathering tomorrow. It is so yummy that I spoiled my dinner by taste testing far more than was necessary. LOL This recipe is delicious and a keeper. Thank you for sharing!

Kelli B said...

I love this recipe!! It's my goto when I'm trying to impress!