Tortellini Pasta Salad

Flavor packed pasta salad made with stuffed cheese tortellini, peppery arugula, crisp salty bacon, bright tomatoes, and a tart lemon dressing. It's a hearty pasta dish served at a mild temperature making it an ideal summer entree!

📝 Ingredients

• 20 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini ((recommend Trader Joe's or Buitoni))
• 9 slices (9 oz). bacon, (cooked, cooled and chopped*)
• 5 oz. arugula ((mature or baby arugula))
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, (halved)
• 1 large red bell pepper, (roasted, cooled and sliced into 1-inch strips)
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes ((optional))
• Salt (and black pepper)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Cook tortellini just to al dente according to directions listed on package. Meanwhile line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. 2Drain tortellini and spread onto prepared baking sheet to cool completely, about 20 minutes (while the tortellini cooks and cools it's a good time to cook bacon and roast the bell pepper if you haven't already).
3. 3For the dressing whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4To a large salad bowl add arugula, cooled tortellini and bacon, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion and parmesan cheese.
5. 5Whisk dressing then pour over tortellini mixture and toss to evenly coat. Taste for more salt as needed and serve.