Judie’s Almost Famous Tortellini Salad – A Party Favorite

Contributed By:
Arlene Cummings
www.cookingwithsugar.com

My mother-in-law Judie was a great cook known for making simple and delicious home-cooked meals, like pot roast, chicken and dumplings and meat loaf. But Tortellini Pasta Salad was one of her “almost famous” dishes that she would make for most potluck dinners, pool parties and luncheons. It’s a simple recipe that uses store-bought Caesar salad dressing, so it can be made in no time at all.

My husband and I have been together since we were teenagers, so I have a lot of fond memories of my mother-in-law making this salad for many family parties in their backyard.

Tasty to eat and easy to prepare recipes like this are what make entertaining a breeze. Judie would make the salad a day or two ahead of time because it tastes better when it sits in the fridge and marinates. You can also double or triple the recipe to feed a big crowd.

Using fresh vegetables makes this dish pop in both taste and color. I like to cut my veggies into small cubes.

It’s very important not to overcook the pasta. Cook the tortellini just until it’s al dente. You want the pasta to be a little firm so it will hold up to the dressing.

Then simply mix in all your ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

Next time you have a party or need to bring a dish to a potluck dinner, give Judie’s Tortellini Salad a try.