Cucumber Tomato Pasta Salad

This salad combines cheese tortellini with cucumber, fresh tomatoes, and dried tomatoes. A mixture of Italian salad dressing, the oil from the dried tomatoes, and dried tomato pesto seasoning is poured over before chilling.

Ingredients:

• 1 19 oz. bag frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 1/2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced
• 1 6.5 oz. jar dried tomatoes packed in oil
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 1/3 cup shredded fresh parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp dried tomato pesto seasoning (a packet, found in the sauce and gravy section)
• 1 tsp. parsley
• 1 tsp. basil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper

Directions:

Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and rinse with cold water when cooked; set aside. Slice cucumbers and tomatoes; set aside. Into separate bowl, pour oil from dried tomatoes. Slice dried tomatoes, if necessary, and add them to cucumbers and fresh tomatoes. Add Italian dressing, parmesan cheese and seasonings to the dried tomato oil; stir until well mixed. Pour over cucumbers and tomatoes. Mix tortellini with cucumber-tomato mixture. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Number of Servings: 8

Notes from the Cook: Best when prepared a day ahead and allowed to refrigerate overnight.