Picnic Worthy Pasta

Finally!  Warm weather (aside from the fluke snow in April yesterday) has arrived!  Every year when it starts to warm up I take my son to do as many outdoor activities as I can.  The first one we did this year was at the zoo.  I didn't want to get stuck paying 6 bucks for a concession stand hot dog, so I thought it would be nice to pack a picnic.  My lil guy loves picnics!  During the winter we put a giant blanket on the living room floor and have indoor "picnics".  It's our thing.  I like coming up with  fun things to put in my basket.  I have been trying different types of sandwiches and some interesting salads to pack.  My favorite combo was a muffaletta sandwich with a basil tortellini pasta salad.  An italian twist on a picnic day.  I got a dirty look over putting onion in the prince's picnic, but he picked them all out and everyone was happy.  So, plan a spring picnic and pack this along with your sandwiches, add some fresh fruit and you are good to go!!

Tortellini Pasta Salad with Basil Dressing
Serves 6-8 As A Side

For the Salad:
20        Ounces        Fresh Cheese Tortellini
14        Ounce         Can Artichoke Quarters, Chopped
1          Pint             Grape Tomatoes, Rinsed
1/2       Small           Red Onion, Sliced Thin
4          Ounces        Feta Crumbles

For the Dressing:
1         Cup              Fresh Basil Leaves
1         Cup              Fresh Spinach Leaves
4         Cloves          Garlic
1/2      Cup              Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4      Cup              Red Wine Vinegar
1         Each             Lemon, Juiced
1         Tsp               Salt
1/2      Tsp               Fresh Cracked Pepper

Boil 4 quarts of water in a sauce pot.  Put the pasta in  the pot and boil for 5 minutes or until pasta floats.  Drain and rinse in cold water to cool.  In a large bowl toss the cooled pasta, artichokes, tomatoes, onion, and feta.  To make the dressing, put all the dressing ingredients in the blender until smooth.  Toss the pasta and dressing  together and chill before serving.  I refrigerated mine over night and it seemed a little dry.  I tossed in a little more olive oil and tossed it again and it was just perfect.  Give this yummy salad a try!  Love as Always, "Big K"