Cheese Tortellini Salad

Sorry, no TWD today. Between catering my cousin's wedding, cooking for a group of up to 45 at Girl's Camp for a whole week and getting ready to leave on a family vacation tomorrow, I've been swamped! So, here's another colorful summer salad that you must put on your "to make" list!

I made this salad for a bridal shower and also for camp last week, which is why the background of these pictures is in the neck of the woods! Even most of the teenage girls liked it though. It is more of a main course as long as you serve it with some good rolls.

Cheese Tortellini Salad

1 lb cheese tortellini, cooked al dente
1 lb bacon, cooked and chopped in small pieces
1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
2 15 oz cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 bag baby spinach

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 fying 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.


Be sure to check out the amazing dessert from TWD today though. Susan of Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy chose Raspberry Blanc-Manger and you would not believe how beautiful hers looks!