TORTELINI SKEWERS

TIME: 20 MIN TO OVER NIGHT

TORTELLINI SKEWERS ARE FILLING APPETIZER WITH A LIGHT, REFRESHING FLAVOR. IT'S ESPEICALLY GOOD IN SUMMER WHEN THE HERBS AND TOMATOES ARE FRESH OFF THE VINE.

INGREDIENTS
16 ounces cheese tortellini 
1⁄2 cup olive oil
1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
10 grape tomatoes, halved
Kosher salt and pepper
1 large red bell pepper
4 ounces fresh mozzarella,
​35-40 small basil leaves
EQUIPMENT
Long toothpicks

DIRECTIONS
1. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Since it’s fresh pasta, it won’t take long. Drain when cooked.
2. Prepare peppers by cutting into 1⁄2 inch squares. Cube the cheese or use mozzarella balls.
3. Whisk together the 12 dressing ingredients. Add hot pasta to the dressing so flavors will be absorbed.
4. Let side until pasta is cooled. Then stir in the peppers, tomatoes and mozzarella.
5 Let this marinate up to overnight.
6. Using long toothpicks, assemble the appetizer by placing on the skewer in order tortellini, 1 basil leaf, pepper piece, mozzarella, basil, tomato, and tortellini.
Putting it together:
7. Finish putting all tortellini on skewers. Lay next to each other on a tray and drizzle with marinade, salt and pepper to taste.

SUBSTITUTIONS?
Make it fast -- Use store bought Italian dressing and fresh cheese tortellini.  Just add the tomatoes, peppers, mozzarella and basil. You'l have this made up in no time!

You can also serve this as cold pasta salad -- Delicious!