a cold dish for hot days

in the summer i crave fresh vegetables but i also love the taste of pizza and pasta, both meals a little warm for 90+ degree days.  i had a recipe for tortellini salad that i liked and made, and one day i accidentally bought a sausage and a cheese package instead of 2 cheeses.  that sparked the idea of making a "pizza" pasta salad.  i adjusted the vegetables, added some cheeses and pepperoni, and changed the dressing a bit to compliment everything in the bowl.  i enjoy this for dinner, but it also makes a perfect side to take to a summer gathering.

cold tortellini pasta salad

2 pkgs. (9 oz. each) fresh tortellini (i use 1 each of Buitoni 9 oz. four cheese & sweet italian sausage)
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 small can sliced black olives
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, diced
1/3 lb. deli pepperoni, chopped (optional)
1/3 lb. slab mozzarella cheese, cubed into 1/2" pieces
1/3 lb. slab provalone cheese, cubed into 1/2" pieces

dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbs. rice vinegar
1-1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. pepper


1. cook tortellini as directed.  rinse in cold water and drain.  set aside.
2. put all other ingredients together in a large bowl.  add tortellini and mix well.  chill for about 2 hours.
3. combine ingredients for dressing.  pour over salad.  mix well.

makes about 8 dinner sized servings.  enjoy!  =)

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download a printable copy of this recipe at...
http://www.oncupcakemoon.com/recipes/tortellinipastasalad.pdf