Shelly's Recipe

TORTELLINI SALAD

Category: Pasta Salads

6 cups frozen cheese tortellini pasta, cooked and drained
4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed, dried and coarsely chopped
2 carrots, shredded
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup toasted pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup canned mandarin orange segments (drained, reserve juice to use in dressing)
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons sugar

Dressing (see recipe)

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and cool.

In large bowl, combine with vegetables, pecans, cranberries and orange segments. Add salt, pepper, basil and sugar and mix well. Prepare Dressing and dress pasta as desired. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Dressing:
1 1/2 cups your favorite Italian vinaigrette dressing
1/4 cup mandarin orange juice
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Combine ingredients and mix well.