No-Mayo Tortellini Salad
Perfect for any cook out or family gathering, this recipe will provide the color needed for any festive gathering and the flavors that will please every guest! This pasta salad is always requested at family gatherings, especially my son Nate’s birthday cook out—a tradition in our family since his birthday is in the month of July.
Another reason I love serving this side to my guests in the summer time is because it does not have any mayonnaise or sour cream like some other summer sides so it can stay out longer.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. frozen cheese tortellini (you can also use a whole grain or whole pasta if you’d like, but we enjoy the bit of saltiness the cheese tortellini provides in this recipe)
- 2 cup cubed pepperoni, chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can small kalamata or black olives, drained
- 2 jars artichokes in oil or water, drained
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ yellow bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- Handful of minced parsley
- Handful of chopped basil
- 12 ounces Italian dressing– the zestier the better
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Cook pasta for five minutes or until the tortellini pop up to the top of the water.
- Combine all ingredients and let sit in refrigerator at least two hours, but overnight is best!
Next recipe: Peach-Blueberry Crumb Cake
