Fresh Basil Tortellini Salad Recipes

FRESH BASIL TORTELLINI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook tortellini as directed on package.
• Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Mix remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.
• Add tortellini and toss until well combined.
• Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• Toss again before serving with additional parmesan cheese.

TORTELLINI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
• Prepare the dressing according to the instructions in this recipe.
• In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, tomatoes, artichokes, beans, onion, pepperoncini, and the dressing and toss to combine. Add the arugula and basil and toss again. Season to taste, and add Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired. Garnish with more fresh basil. Serve right away or store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND FRESH BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the olive oil, basil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl large enough to hold the salad.
• Cook the asparagus in 4 quarts boiling water seasoned with 1 tablespoon salt until tender, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer the asparagus to a colander using a slotted spoon (do not discard the boiling water).
• Shake out any excess water and toss with the vinaigrette.
• Return the water to a boil, add the tortellini, and cook until tender, following the package directions.
• Drain the tortellini thoroughly, then toss while hot with the asparagus and dressing.
• Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
• Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Just before serving, stir the toasted pine nuts, tomatoes, and Parmesan into the salad and season with salt and pepper.

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH FRESH BASIL AND TOMATOES IN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the Vinaigrette: Whir first five ingredients in blender until smooth. Drizzle thin stream of olive oil in until all is emulsified. Set aside.
• Boil tortellini according to directions, drain, rinse in cold water to stop the cooking. Spread cooked pasta out on a jelly roll pan, drizzle with the good olive oil and sprinkle with pepper; stir up to coat tortellini with oil. This prevents the pasta from going glue-y when added to the rest of the salad ingredients. Set aside, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to a couple hours.
• In a very large bowl, place quartered tomatoes, feta cheese crumbles, scallions, and pour about half the vinaigrette over, tossing gently. Refrigerate the tomato mixture until 2-3 hours before serving.
• About 2-3 hours before serving, toss the oiled tortellini with the tomato mixture, add a bit more dressing, if you think it needs it. Refrigerate. Just before serving, toss the fresh basil with the tortellini-tomato mixture. Serve.