River Valley Ranch Pesto Pasta Salad
River Valley Ranch Pesto Pasta Salad
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This week, we are thrilled to share a mouthwatering Summer Tortellini Salad that’s both fresh and satisfying. This delightful recipe comes to us from the creative kitchen of Simmer Time Chi, a dynamic duo who are as passionate about home cooking as they are about exploring Chicago's vibrant food scene.
Simmer Time Chi is known for their innovative and flavorful dishes that highlight the best of local ingredients. They have teamed up with River Valley Ranch to bring you a series of recipes showcasing our fresh, farm-grown products. This tortellini salad is a perfect example of their culinary flair, featuring our very own River Valley Ranch Basil Pesto.
Author:Simmer Time Chi
Ingredients
- Tortellini: One package, cooked and cooled.
- Mozzarella Pearls: One cup, for a creamy, mild flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: One pint, halved for a burst of juiciness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, chopped for a tangy depth of flavor.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced for a bit of crunch and sharpness.
- Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped to add a fresh, aromatic note.
- Artichokes: One can, drained and quartered for a touch of earthiness.
- Olive Oil: Two tablespoons, to bind everything together.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
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River Valley Ranch Basil Pesto: A large scoop, the star of our dish!
Directions
- Cook and Cool the Tortellini: Start by cooking your tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and spread out on a tray or in a colander to cool. Cooling the tortellini is crucial to prevent it from getting mushy when you mix it with the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: While your tortellini cools, prepare the rest of your ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, slice the red onion, chop the basil, and quarter the artichokes.
- Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, and artichokes. This mix will give your salad a fantastic range of textures and flavors.
- Add the Basil Pesto: Add a generous scoop of River Valley Ranch Basil Pesto to the bowl. This pesto is packed with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon, bringing a burst of flavor to every bite.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, season with salt and pepper, and toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. The olive oil helps to bring out the flavors of the pesto and keeps the tortellini from sticking together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your tortellini salad is ready to serve! It’s perfect as a main dish or a side. For a bit of extra flair, garnish with a few more basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Comments
I adore @simmertimechi and am excited for this collaboration!