A True "Lite" Summer Side Dish!

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Make A True "Lite" Summer Side Dish!

I grew up on and made for almost every family gathering, potato  and macaroni salads....It's a handed down tradition and recipe from my Grandmother and believe me they're totally delicious!  But, with that being said, they both have a tremendous amount of mayonnaise in both of them and although some of the best I have ever eaten, mayonnaise isn't so great for the waistline and to be honest, not very safe unless its handled properly sitting on a patio or picnic table under the sun and out where it is warm......This recipe is not only delicious, but is a little kinder in the calorie and fat department, and although it still should be presented and kept chilled, not as susceptible to going bad from the heat.

Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Dressing

Serves 2 to 4

Total time:  30 minutes

Ingredients

The Dressing

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The Salad

9 ounces fresh cheese tortellini (store bought)

1/2 cup salami, chopped

1 cup baby spinach, rinsed and dried

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup quality Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (divided)

Preparation

The Dressing

Pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar into a jar with a lid. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.

Tortellini Salad

Cook tortellini according to package directions in a large pot of salted water of high heat. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water and drain. Pour the pasta back into the pot and add in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and one tablespoon of the pasta water. Stir well over low heat, until the spinach has wilted and the sun-dried tomatoes are warmed and tender.

Add in about a tablespoon of pasta water at a time if the pasta mixture seems too dry, but do not allow the mixture to become watery.

Assembly

Pour the pasta mixture into a large bowl. Add the salami, and half of the cheese, toss until well combined.

Plating /Presentation

Garnish with remaining Parmesan and serve with dressing on the side.  If you are planning this delicious salad for a picnic or barbecue where the food will be set up outside, I would find a larger bowl, fill it with ice and then set the bowl of salad inside it to keep it chilled.

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