Tom's Pasta Salad

A perfectly delicious summer time pasta salad.

I had to have this recipe from my friend Tom who put this fantastic combination together; tortellini pasta with a basil vinaigrette dressing and topped it off with grape tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of pecorino romano cheese. Bravo Tom!

Tom's Pasta Salad

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 16 - 19 oz Cheese Tortellini. frozen or fresh

• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

• 1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved

• grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese

For the Basil Vinaigrette

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed

• 1 small garlic clove

• pick of red pepper flakes

• 2 TBsp white wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the tortellini per package directions, when done remove using a slotted spoon to a suitable bowl.

2. For the Basil Vinaigrette, chop the basil, garlic and red pepper flakes in a blender. Add vinegar and oil and blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add the tomatoes to the tortellini, pour the vinaigrette over all and mix well.

4. Grate the cheese over top and stir again.

5. Top with toasted pine nuts.

Enjoy! and Thank you Tom.