Tortellini Salad

I still remember the packaged pasta salad kits that were sold when I was a kid - and how much I disliked the weird dressing mix!  However, my dad's company always had an annual family picnic and they always served an amazing chilled tortellini marinara.  Pasta salad, but better, right?

I like to combine those childhood memories and use delicious, cheese-filled tortellini with a simple, creamy dressing!

Ingredients:

3 medium carrots

1 broccoli bunch

1 pint of cherry tomatoes

3 mini cucumbers

700g cheese tortellini

1/2 cup creamy salad dressing, such as ranch

2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

1/4 cup parmesan

1/2 tsp. paprika

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted, oiled water to a boil.
2. While waiting for the water to boil, peel the carrots and start chopping all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. When the water boils, add the pasta and cook as per the directions on the package.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
5. While the pasta cools, finish prepping the vegetables.
6. To make the dressing, whisk together the salad dressing, mayonnaise, and paprika.  Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
7. Put the pasta and vegetables into a large bowl and pour the dressing on top.
8. Stir very gently, with a spatula, to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly.
9. Top with the parmesan cheese and chill in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.