Tortellini Salad

During the summer we are often entertaining and this salad is easy to prepare, inexpensive, filling and can be served warm or at room temperature. It can also easily be doubled for a larger crowd. I buy the Tortellini at Costco. They carry the rainbow coloured cheese filled kind which makes for a more colourful salad. You can also use any colour peppers you like. I am not a fan of green ones so I opt for red, yellow and orange ones myself. I am also fortunate to live within walking distance of several fruit markets on Bloor street and can usually buy peppers that are reduced in price if I know I am going to eat them the same day. Today I scored with a red & orange pepper that were packed together for 99 cents. I grilled them on the gas stove but you can always cheat and buy grilled peppers at most grocery stores in their deli sections.
When blanching the green beans for this recipe it is always a good idea to put them in an ice bath after boiling them in water. This stops the cooking process instantly and helps maintain their bright green colour.

You may find when making the dressing that it has a very strong flavour but the tortellini is a hearty pasta and can easily handle these bold ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 family size pack of store bought Tortellini
2 bell peppers grilled and cut into bite size pieces
12 green beans cut in half and blanched
2 scallions diced
3 T balsamic vinegar
1 T dijon mustard
1 large clove of garlic minced fine or grated on rasp.
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper


Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini el dente. Place in a large bowl and drizzle lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Meanwhile you can prepare your peppers, green beans and scallions. For the dressing: in a bowl add the balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking. This method helps all the ingredients emulsify. Season the dressing with salt and pepper. To assemble the salad add peppers, green beans and dressing. Mix thoroughly and top with the minced scallions. Serve immediately while it is still warm or wrap and serve later at room temperature.