SPINACH TORTELLINI SALAD

Spinach Tortellini Salad image

Pretty and packed with nutrition, this fresh-tasting salad makes a company-special light meal or side dish! "I also add diced purple onion and red bell pepper...or substitute diced cooked chicken and bow-tie pasta for the tortellini." Emily Hanson - Logan, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 cups sliced cucumbers
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup honey-roasted sliced almonds
1/4 cup real bacon bits

Steps:

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, for dressing, in a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar and oil. Cook and stir over low heat just until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat. Stir in the sesame seeds, onion, salt and paprika; set aside., Drain tortellini and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, , combine the tortellini, spinach, cucumbers, oranges, almonds and bacon. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359 calories, Fat 17g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 591mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein.