TORTELLINI, SHRIMP AND PESTO SALAD

TORTELLINI, SHRIMP AND PESTO SALAD image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

Pesto Dressing (Recipe follows)
1 pkg (9 oz) fresh tortellini or 1 pkg (7 to 8oz) dry tortellini
1 med-size red bell pepper (about 5 oz)seeded and cut into thin bite-size strips
6 ounces tiny cooked and shelled shrimp

Steps:

Prepare Pesto dressing and set aside. In a 4 to 5 qt pan, cook tortellini in 3 quarts boiling water just until tender to bite (4 to 6 min for fresh tortellini, 15 to 20 mins for dry); or cook according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water; and drain well again. In a large bowl, lightly mix the tortellini, Pesto Dressing, bell pepper strips, and shrimp. Cover mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up 8 hours. Pesto Dressing In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves (or 3/4 cup fresh parsley leaves and 2 TB dry basil); 1 large clove garlic coarsely chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2-1/2 TB red wine vinegar; and 1/2 cup olive oil. Whir until pureed.