It’s that time of year. Schools are back in session and we homeschoolers are getting back into a routine. Perhaps you’re pouring over your new curriculum, setting up your new schedules, and excited about the year ahead. If that’s you, congratulations. I’m still trying to remember to purchase the reading program I plan to use, and we just signed up for a co-op last week!
Regardless of how prepared you are, I’m guessing life is pretty busy around your house. You want to serve delicious meals but who has the time? And with the weather still being warm, you still want something that’s light and easy.
Enter the Four Cheese Tortellini Salad.
I sort of made this up a few years ago when I wanted some kind of pasta salad but something with a little bit more substance. I was pleasantly surprised at how much spinach you can get away with using in this dish, and how easy is is to make. We usually pair it with a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store but it could serve as a dinner all by itself. (Just don’t try to slip that past my husband, he’s easy going but does prefer at least a small amount of meat in his meals.)
It’s super easy to make. You may want to go ahead and make it in the morning so it can chill and all the flavors can get nicely combined.
But if you find yourself in a pinch and it’s either make this at 5:00 or have hubby stop for take-out, you have my blessing to press forward and make this salad. You’ll still love it. (And your tummy will love that hubby drove past the drive-thru!)
Okay so step one is to follow the package directions and get your tortellini cooking.
While it’s cooking, chop up your spinach and put it into a large bowl.
Next, get your other veggies chopped, but don’t add them to the bowl just yet.
You can use whatever veggies you want/have. This is what I happened to have on hand.
When your pasta is done (be sure not to overcook it) drain it but do not rinse it.
Pour the hot pasta over the spinach. This will help the spinach wilt down a little so it’s not so prominent.
Once the pasta has cooled, mix in the rest of your veggies and your dressing.
Cover and chill until ready to serve.
- 1 Package Four Cheese Tortellin (from the section near the cheeses, the smaller of the two packages.)
- 2 large handfuls fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 Tomato, chopped (or a handful of cherry tomatoes)
- ½ Cucumber, chopped
- 2 Green onions, chopped
- ½ cup italian dressing
- Cook tortellini according to package directions. Do not overcook.
- Chop spinach and place into a large bowl.
- Chop other veggies and set aside while the pasta cooks.
- When pasta is done, drain (do not rinse) and add it to the spinach.
- When pasta is cooled, add the other veggies and salad dressing.
- Stir to combine, cover, and chill until ready to serve.
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- Four Cheese Tortellini Salad – Easy Homeschool Meals - September 10, 2014