Greek Tortellini Salad

Keeping with this months salad theme here is a hearty, flavorful salad that is easy to whip together for a quick lunch. I always keep tortellini in the freezer, it comes in handy when you want to make a simple meal or snack.


Ingredients 

fresh whole wheat cheese filled Tortellini Pasta, family size
1/2 cup of pitted kalamata olives, sliced in half
1/2 a jar of roasted red peppers marinated in oil, sliced
1 cup of marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup of crumbled feta cheese

Directions 

Cook your tortellini till it is al dente, about 3 to 4 minutes once your water comes to a rapid boil. It is very important to not over cook your pasta, because then your salad is soggy. Drain your pasta and place in a large bowl. Add to you pasta all of your chopped vegetables, olives and cheese. The oil from your chopped peppers and artichokes make a nice natural dressing. There is no need to add more oil. Add your feta, toss and serve. This salad is delicious warm or cold.

Enjoy!

Lemon Orzo Salad

Happy New Year! 

2012 is going to filled with healthy delicious cooking. To start this new year off right I am dedicating the whole month of January to salads. This first salad is a quick, light, pasta salad that is not only nutritious but bursting with tons of tangy flavor!



Ingredients

12 oz. Orzo
1 bunch of fresh asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
1 pint of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 lemon, zest and juiced
4 Tbs. olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbs. fresh parsley, minced
1 cup of freshly grated parmesan
kosher salt and pepper


Directions

Cook orzo, blanch asparagus the last minute of cooking the pasta. Add cooked orzo, asparagus and sliced tomatoes to a large bowl.

Mix olive oil, lemon, zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl, whisk. Drizzle the oil dressing over pasta. Stir in fresh parsley and parmesan. Serve warm or cold.

Enjoy!