As the weather gets warmer, things start changing a bit around here. I replace our comforting stews and hearty casseroles with lighter smoothies and salads, our outdoor grill becomes our summertime kitchen, and we stay outside as much as possible.
My family loves to eat our meals on our back porch on beautiful afternoons and many days, you can find Little Buddy and me enjoying our lunch on an old blanket out on the runway. He’s usually devouring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apples and grapes while I’m snacking on leftovers from whatever we had for dinner the night before. Regardless of what we’re eating though, it just seems to taste so much better outside. Our moods are lighter and more playful the longer we take to enjoy the nature around us.
So when a few food blogging friends pulled together to plan a virtual picnic to celebrate Earth Day, I immediately started thinking of the recipe I wanted to share! This herbed tortellini salad won for its deliciousness when served hot or cold as well as its ease in preparation. Within just a few minutes this dish is picnic ready!
Here’s how I make it.
Perfect hot or cold and ready in minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound package three cheese tortellini pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons basil, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 spring onions, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
http://addapinch.com/cooking/2011/04/22/herbed-tortellini-salad/
- Drain tortellini and pour into large bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil and remaining ingredients and pour over tortellini.
- Toss lightly to make sure all ingredients are well-incorporated.
- Serve warm or cover and refrigerate and serve cold.
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Meal type: lunch, supper
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For more delicious picnic dishes, please visit my friends participating in the virtual picnic.
Simple Bites | Pressed Sandwiches
My Baking Addiction | Mixed Berry Cheesecakes in a Jar
Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad
Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade
Dine & Dish | Sangria
Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe Roundup
Three Many Cooks | Black and White Caviar
Food for My Family | Homemade Potato Chips and Avocado Ranch Dip
Sugarcrafter | Apple Hand Pies
Tickled Red | Tangy Potato Salad
What’s Cooking with Kids | Kale Chips
Confessions of a Cookbook Queen | Mini Lemonade Cakes
TidyMom | Picnic Pies in a Jar
What are your favorite picnic recipes?
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This is one of my all time favorite summer dishes! Love it!! Wish we were sharing a bowl together today
Wish we were sharing a big ole bowl together, too! How fun would that be?!?!?
Robyn this looks perfect!! I love pasta salads.
I love pasta salads, too. Especially when the weather starts getting warmer!
Love tortellini! Can’t wait to give this a try.
Robyn, this looks simply delicious. I love a good pasta salad at a picnic!
I love pasta salad as the weather warms up and spring arrives. This looks perfect!
This sounds perfect! So light and fresh. Yum.
We love tortellini, especially with all those fresh ingredients!
Perfect for a picnic, indeed! Happy Earth Day
I love pasta salads, they are great picnic fare. I wish I had a back porch to enjoy the beautiful spring and summer days on too!
Great salad! A perfect summer meal in itself. =)
Happy Earth Day!
Sounds delicious Robyn!! perfect for a picnic!
I love pasta salad and I always forget about how great tortellini pasta is. This looks like picnic perfection.
My favorite part of the picnic
I feel like it’s spring, wish the weather thought so too!
I love salads like this one… especially since they don’t have to be served warm. I can make a lunch out of something like this so easily!
This sounds perfect for a picnic – or breakfast. Wish I had some now.
Robyn,
This looks scrumptious! I’ve got tiny green shoots of fresh basil popping up right now–can’t wait to add it to all my summer recipes!