Cheese Tortellini with Basil Vinaigrette

Another slice of summer-a pasta salad with chicken and fresh veggies great for lunch or dinner. A  touch of fresh basil elevates the flavor of this summer dish.

Cheese Tortellini with Basil Vinaigrette

Cook's Notes:

For easier serving prep this recipe a day in advance. Make and refrigerate the vinaigrette. Dice veggies and cook pasta al dente. Cool pasta and bag separately from veggies. Add arugula right before serving.  Recipe inspiration form Southern Living July 2019. Recipe serves 4.

Salad Ingredients:

• 1- 9 oz. package cheese filled tortellini cooked according to package directions. rinse and drain (I used a package mixture of refrigerated spinach and regular tortellini) 
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken, bite sized
• 1 cup each diced cherry tomatoes, cucumber or zucchini, cauliflower or broccoli, carrots, baby arugula
• 3 TB. toasted pecans or walnuts

Directions:

• Mix salad ingredients and drizzle with dressing right before serving. Top with toasted nuts.

Basil Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup olive 
• 2-1/2 TB. good quality white balsamic
• 1 TB. honey
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp. dried parsley flakes 
• 1-1/2 tsp. finely diced shallots
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 TB. fresh basil, diced

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients in a blender except basil. 
• Pour into a small pitcher and stir in basil. Mix well with a whisk and refrigerate until needed.