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30 Minute Pesto Tortellini Salad

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb. refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 8 oz. fresh asparagus (trimmed and sliced into thirds)
  • 1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 (14-oz.) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (sliced (plus 2 Tbsp. oil from jar))
  • 1/3 cup sliced kalamata olives ((optional))
  • 2 to 3 cups fresh arugula or baby spinach
  • 3 Tbsp. pine nuts, toasted ((optional))
  • 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra-virgin olive oil for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare tortellini according to package instructions in a pot of boiling, salted water until al dente. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer cooked tortellini to a paper towel-lined large bowl.To the same pot of boiling water, add asparagus and cook for 2 minutes. Drain, and transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water.Remove paper towels from bowl with tortellini. Add 2 Tbsp. of oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes and toss to combine. (This just gives the pasta extra flavor. Alternatively, you can use 2 Tbsp. of olive oil).
  2. Drain asparagus and add to bowl with tortellini, along with pesto, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives (if using), and arugula; toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Add pine nuts, Parmesan, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Give the salad a final toss and serve.
  • Author: Dorothy Miler