I call this a "salad". Really, does anything with a pasta base count as a salad? Not hardly. Regardless, this is a quick and refreshing dish for a summer brunch or side for dinner. Add a little olive oil, and it stores fine overnight.
SHOPPING LIST:
-cheese or spinach filled tortellini
-fresh basil
-grape tomatoes (Cherry tomatoes work well too.)
-artichoke hearts
-black olives
-fresh mozzarella
-Italian dressing
-S & P
PREP:
1. Make tortellini according to package directions. Rinse and toss with olive or grapeseed oil. Allow to cool in fridge for 10-20 minutes. (This ensures that the hot pasta will not melt the mozzerella when combining.)2. Chop a large bunch of fresh basil.
3. Strain and chop one 14 oz. can of artichoke hearts.
4. Drain one or two cans of sliced black olives.
5. Cut fresh mozzarella balls into slices and then chop into cubes. (You can also use mozzarella string cheese if fresh mozzarella is not available.)
5. Combine tortellini pasta, one carton of cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped basil, artichoke hearts, cheese, and 2/3 cup of Italian dressing.
6. Salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve cold and enjoy!
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I love this site. Great ideas and beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteI totally made this last night with a few adjustments. So yummy and SO simple. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this (am planning to make tonight, thanks to you, and probably with some homemade pesto) as I finally have artichokes in the cabinet!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE cold mozzarella, even better than melted. Here's a super helpful hint when you don't want to melt the mozzarella in hot pasta (instead of putting something hot in your fridge, which heats up the fridge and hurts items that need to stay cold):
Put your mozzarella (mini balls or chopped pieces) on some parchment or a plate in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Toss into your pasta, and voila!
Another pasta salad recipe you would probably like, also Med. inspired, thank you for this! http://theadventuresofculinarylin.wordpress.com/2010/06/20/healthy-pasta-salad/
Lindsey
A Pear to Remember
Thanks for visiting and the great tip Lindsey! I adore your blog. I'll be visiting frequently scoping out new recipes!
ReplyDeletethis looks so good! Just pinned it. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteMelissa- I love YOUR blog! It's so exciting to get to "meet" talented ladies such as yourself. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteSaw this on pinterest and followed the link to your blog and just made this for dinner. So fresh and simple!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kari!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally gonna make this! thank you! I love how you did your shopping list with pictures, so great!
ReplyDeleteI'm now following your blog!
Love,
Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations
http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com
Stop by any time! <3