Spinach Tortellini Salad

My friend Megan Castagnetto made this for our family when Big was born.  It is light, easy, and amazing!  I am making it early today because Bigger and Biggest have soccer practices tonight at different times and then I get to spend some time with the Youth at our church.  This is a great meal to take to picnics or Concerts at the Park (pictured).

1 lb cheese tortellini, cooked al dente
1 lb bacon, cooked and chopped in small pieces (optional)
1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (optional)
2-15 oz cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 bag baby spinach
*I add other ingredients to make up for the meat: slivered almonds, dried cranberries, avocado*

Mix all together in large serving bowl.

dressing:
3/4 C sugar
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1/4 C olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1 T grated onion
1 T toasted sesame seeds

Toast seeds until fragrant in frying pan over medium low heat. In small saucepan bring sugar and vinegar to boil. Remove from heat when sugar has dissolved and add remaining ingredients. Dressing can be made a day or two in advance and served already mixed in or separate. Bring to room temp and mix well before serving.
Thanks Megan for this recipe!




One more thing-- I was reading the Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer on Monday night after I did my shopping.  I loved this part about their tortellini.  Yes, tortellini is more than double the price at regular grocery stores, so it was refreshing to see this price!

   

Fresh Spinach Tortellini

There is a misconception in the world of fresh pasta that we'd like to clear up right away. It doesn't have to be expensive. There. We said it. If you peruse the refrigerated case at most markets, you'll see plenty of fresh pasta, and it's all overpriced. There. We said it again. Moreover, most of it doesn't taste good. Ooh, we're on a roll.

And now, for the really important part… Trader Joe's fresh pastas are not expensive, and they taste reallygood. Ah…. That feels better. You'll feel better once you try Trader Giotto's Spinach Tortellini. Each bite-size piece is generously filled with a savory blend of spinach, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Its flavor is robust enough to stand up on its own, with no sauce at all, yet also shines with a touch of olive oil, cream or red sauce (like our Traditional Marinara) or cold, as the star of a pasta salad.

And the price? We're selling each 10 ounce package ofSpinach Tortellini for $1.99, every day. We've looked around, and we don't think you'll find a better everyday value on fresh, filled pasta. You'll find it in our refrigerated case.