Train potty

Memorial Day is this weekend, which means summer is almost here!

It also means it is BBQ & grilling weather. I love this time of year because we eat outside, use the grill and I make yummy side salads.

I made up this tortellini salad years ago and it is now one of my go-to salads during the summer. 

I have already made it 2 times in the last month. For Luke's Dedication & for our neighborhood block party last week. It is so easy to make and it makes a TON, which is great for big crowds!

Here is what you need:

 - 1 bag Frozen Cheese Tortellini

-  Bowtie Pasta (I use about 1/2 - 3/4 of the box, depending on how big the crowd is)

- 1 can of artichoke hearts

- 1 jar of Sun Dried Tomatoes,  Julienne cut

- Broccoli

- Yellow Bell Pepper

- Orange Bell Pepper

- 1 can sliced olives

- Grated & Shredded Parmeasan Cheese

- Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing (I use light)

Start off my boiling a pot of water for your Tortellini and Pasta.

While you are waiting for the water to boil, start chopping up your bell pepper & broccoli.

Chop. Chop. Chop.

Cook & Drain the Tortellini and Pasta according to your package directions.

(Frozen Tortellini is about 3 minutes, Bowtie Pasta is about 8 minutes)

After the tortellini & pasta is drained, put it in a big salad bowl & toss it with some of the balsamic vinaigrette, just enough to coat the pasta.

Now it's time to add the goodies to the pasta!

Dump in the sliced olives (drained), artichoke hearts (drained) & sun dried tomatoes (I partially drain these)  Add the chopped bell peppers & broccoli. 

I love colorful food. Isn't it pretty?

Then, I toss it all together. I cover it and keep it in the fridge 4-6 hours before I serve it.
(Often, I will make this salad the night before! This is a great make ahead salad!)
Right before I serve this salad, I sprinkle on some of the grated Parmesan AND the shredded Parmesan. I will add a little more of the balsamic vinaigrette dressing & then it's ready to eat!

 I love the flavor that the cheese tortellini give, It's a fun twist to pasta salad.
 I hope you like this salad, it is definitely a staple in this house during summertime & it's a real crowd pleaser...my kids even eat it (and, they are super picky!)
Going to a BBQ this weekend for Memorial Day? This is a perfect salad to bring!
Enjoy!