Quick Italian Tortellini

This dish is SUPER FAST! Especially if you have Italian Dressing on hand. I love homemade dressing so I usually make a jar (see recipe below) and have it handy, because it will get eaten. Enjoy this delicious, quick salad combo. Omit ham to make it Vegetarian.

Cook Tortellini according to package directions. While Tortellini is cooking, add the rest of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

When Tortellini is done cooking, drain and add to large mixing bowl with other ingredients.

Mix and serve with some fresh fruit and crackers!!

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

9 oz Cheese Tortellini

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup deli ham, sliced in ribbons (omit for vegeterian option)

4 cups fresh spinach

1/4 cup banana pepper rings

1/4 cup kalmata olives

1/8 cup purple onion, chopped

1 avocado, cubed

1/2 cup Italian Dressing (see recipe below)

Cook Tortellini according to package directions. While Tortellini is cooking, add the rest of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. When Tortellini is done cooking, drain and add to large mixing bowl with other ingredients. Mix and serve with some fresh fruit and crackers!!

ITALIAN DRESSING:

1 cup red wine vinegar

1 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp parmesan cheese

1/2 TBS garlic powder

1/2 TBS onion powder

1/2 TBS honey

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 TBS dried oregano

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 TBS dried parsely

1/2 tsp salt

Place all ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake, taste to adjust salt to liking. It tastes even better if you make a day ahead.