A QUICK NOTE
This chilled tortellini salad is easy to customize for your family. Leave out any vegetables your crew does not enjoy, add other favorites, or mix in ham or another cooked protein to turn it into a complete meal.
INGREDIENTS
2 (8.8-ounce) packages three-cheese tortellini
3½ cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
1½ cups grape tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, chopped
1 red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup sliced black olives
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried parsley
Optional: cooked ham or another protein of choice
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the broccoli and blanch for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove it with a slotted spoon and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions.
4. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water.
5. Add the tortellini and broccoli to a large bowl with the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, garlic, garlic powder, and parsley.
6. Mix well and refrigerate until chilled. Serve cold, adding a protein to the salad or alongside it if desired.
