“Babe, how old is this package of cheese tortellini?” I could hear Honey rummaging around in a kitchen cabinet.
“Uh, what cheese tortellini?”
“This unopened cheese tortellini package stuck behind the canisters of farro and quinoa.” I heard a rustle of plastic. “I can’t even make out an expiration date on it. Do you know how old it is? If not, I’m tossing it out.”
Cheese Tortellini Held Hostage
“No!” I rushed in ready to rescue the poor package. “That’s perfectly good pasta, you can’t just throw it away. Mamma and papà would disown me if they saw us wasting food.”
I took the package from him. “I’ll make something special with it, I already have an idea for something really special” He gave me “the look”. You know the one, it’s between skeptical and you’re stalling.
“The last time you tried using cheese-filled pasta that had been in the cabinet for years, we got a crunch with every bite. I don’t think cheese filling is supposed to be crunchy.”
I was not about to give up. “I probably didn’t cook the pasta long enough.”
The Negotiations
He grinned. “It was an ingredient in a soup. In fact, it was in Spinach Tortellini Soup. As I recall when we reheated the soup the next day the cheese filling still had a slight crunch.”
“Well, uh . . . that pasta was a generic brand. This is from Trader Joe. I know it’ll be good.”
As I’m arguing for the life of the cheese tortellini, a pasta salad recipe keeps popping up in my head. “Anyway, I’ll make the pasta first, taste one to make sure it isn’t crunchy, then I’ll add whatever other ingredients.”
“Okay, but out it goes if there’s the least bit of crunch to it.”
I was going to make this work, no doubt about it. Nope, you can’t make me believe that everything past its “freshness” date had to be thrown away!
The Rescue Mission
Yes, I can see the recipe now — some kind of cheese pasta salad. I’m excited to get on with the recipe. The first thing I have to do is get the supplies for the rescue . This calls for a foraging trip to the fridge and then a hunting trip to the pantry. By the time I finish my hunt I have colored peppers, purple onion, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and grape tomatoes. Perfect.
I start the water and once the water is boiling profusely (this is how an Italian chef on Marco Island, Florida describes the water for making pasta) I add salt, then the cheese tortellini. At the right time, I taste a tortellini, it’s perfect.
Cheese Tortellini Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes turned out squisito{delicious}. I’m sure my mamma and papà are happy we used our tortellini and discovered a great new recipe.
Tutti a tavola è pronto.
Un caro salute e alla prossima.
Cheese Tortellini Salad With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 12 oz. package cheese tortellini I used the rainbow colored cooked according to directions. Do not overcook.
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 1 cup whole Kalamata Olives sliced
- 1 cup cubed feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1/2 red pepper can use orange or yellow pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes in olive oil and herbs thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Sicilian Lemon Balsamic vinegar can substitute white balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Olive Oil
- Zest from 1 medium lemon
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 12 basil leaves -- chiffonade the leaves thinly slice
- Salt and freshly ground pepper q.b.{ quanto basta to taste}
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini in salted boiling water according to package directions. Be sure not to overcook.
- Place the tortellini in large bowl and and mix with the 1 1/2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Cool.
- Mix the halved grape tomatoes, sliced olives, diced onion, pepper slivers, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, lemon zest with the pasta.
- Whisk the balsamic vinegar and garlic olive oil together then pour over the salad. Mix well.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the basil chiffonade and gently mix together. Taste and make adjustments if needed.
Nutrition
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Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
I have many ingredients in my pantry that has been hiding for some time now and this is exactly how my husband comes in on a parade and starts throwing stuff. I have to literally save them all before it gets to the garbage. I love the salad that you have made and it is such a filling one. Love the flavor of sun dried tomatoes and use it any pasta salad I make.
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Sandhya! Got to watch those hubbies like a hawk. I really start to worry when he starts getting boxes ready for Goodwill. I’ve caught him getting rid of some of my things I’ve got stored. It’s like, “You never use that.” ARGH!! I do and when I need it I want it. He’s better now, he asks but I still check out the boxes. 😉
Jennifer A Stewart says
Your conversation sounds like the same conversation I have with my hubby. Only mine ends with I’ll make _____ for dinner tomorrow and then the next night he is not in the “mood” for it. Save it for later which is code for you can eat it for lunch when I am out of town… I bet he would eat this though!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Jennifer! Well, hubby out of town is not longer a problem since he’s retired, but he is in the kitchen with me. And you know what they say about two cooks. We have found our rhythm when it comes to cooking together.
Hanady | Recipe Nomad says
Your story cracked me up! I’m just like you! If it’s edible it’s not getting tossed! I love the flavors here! Sundried tomatoes in pasta is awesome!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Hanaday! I really have to watch over purchasing at the store. I do get carried away with ideas.
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
This pasta salad looks so good! I haven’t had pasta salad in ages, but now I’m really craving it.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Julie! Pasta salads have a tendency to all look alike. That’s what I liked about the rainbow pasta. Couldn’t let Honey toss the tortellini out.
Just Jo says
Lol oh I love how your have written this post! Too funny imagining you arguing “for the life” of a packet of tortellini lol. Looks delish – recipes that we just throw together often turn out to be the best 😀
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Jo! I know about throwing things together and then you try to remember what and how much you tossed in. 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Priya. We bought an extra large container of sun-dried tomatoes and I enjoy adding them to dishes.
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
I love how you saved the cheese tortellini. My husband would do the same thing. He truly eats everything I make just so not to waste anything. This sounds like a really great save though. Love how you turned this into a yummy salad recipe!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Stephanie! The only problem (and we’re bad about this) is when we have leftovers we have a tendency to eat them for lunch. That’s not the bad part — but when you have a little of this and a little of that, the bad part is you eat it. I keep telling hubby — Portion Control! We aren’t a garbage disposal.
Anvita says
I love Pasta Salads, they are like a meal in itself. Soup and salads make a perfect meal for these days when you feel like something light
Marisa Franca says
I agree, Anvita! We like light lunches so when we make a dish that’s more than two servings we will save it for lunch.
Byron Thomas says
Ok, so you had me at sun dried tomatoes! Our fridge is never void of a jar of sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil – we use them on sooo much! In fact, we substitute bacon in ceasar salad with sun dried tomatoes and it’s delicious! Loving this pasta dish – the feta too – yummy! Looks divine, Marisa.
Marisa Franca says
What a great idea, Byron. I wouldn’t have thought of subbing sun dried tomatoes for the bacon. We’ll have to try it!
Mark, CompassandFork says
A very humorous post and nicely written. I must admit, I don’t like throwing anything away so am always looking for ways to use up bits and bobs in the fridge. Here is another great example of inventive. Great job.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Mark. I am trying to not overstock. I’m a sucker for something “new.” And the Farmers Market is like a candy store.
Veena Azmanov says
Now that’s what I call – salad meal for me.. I would eat just this as a meal. Nothing else needed. Yum…!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Veena. It is very satisfying and you don’t need a lot.
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I love your story! I’m always the one in my house throwing stuff away that I think has gone bad. 🙂
Marisa Franca says
I know what you mean! I get so excited at the Farmer’s Market and grocery store. I have to watch the quantities I buy. It’s just the two of us — kids and grandkids are over 1 1/2 hours away. Not easy to make food and run it over.
Tracy Iseminger says
Where do I get Sicilian Lemon Balsamic, it sounds heavenly! This salad had me dreaming of Summer and I need it in my life soon!!
Marisa Franca says
Check out the olive oil shops. I went to one in Indy and one on Saint Simons Island and each one had a version of it. OMG! It is heavenly. Right now we’re in Florida and I’m on the hunt for it.
Tanya says
lol, I love how you don’t let anything go to waste. I am the same way. Well this salad you made looks delicious!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Tanya!
Christine McMichael says
Love cheese tortellini, but have never tried it with sun-dried tomatoes. Sounds amazing! Will definitely have to try this recipe!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Christine! The sun-dried tomatoes really gives it a deeper flavor.
Dene' V. Alexander says
I love a good pasta salad!!! This one is full of color and looks delightful!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Dene! The colors really attract the eyes.
PAM says
This tortellini salad looks perfect for the unseasonably warm weather we have been having. I have some sundried tomatoes that need to be used.
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Pam! This weekend you could have a picnic in many areas up North. I really find it pleasant.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
I love tortellini! Hubby would love the mediterranean flavor this dish has, and it reminds me I need to use tortellini for dishes that aren’t cold more often.
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Val! We do love our tortellini — they make such a nice presentation.
Kylee says
Haha, sounds like me. I’m so loathe to waste food. “Just sniff it, it’s FINNNNNE!”
Glad you didn’t give up on your tortellini. This salad looks awesome.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Kylee. I’ve had buttermilk and sour cream past the due date. Can you go more sour than sour. Now if there’s green stuff on it . . . 🙂
Mary says
I so know the feeling of finding those mystery items in the back of the freezer and having no idea they were there. Love cheese tortellini. This looks great!
Sara says
This looks amazing! I would love to find a lucky pack of tortellini in my cabinet!! 😀
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Sara. Just don’t let my hubby near them if you do. He has a tendency to purge things without asking 🙂
Yigit - Swanky Recipes says
Love it. Really good idea for summer !
Marisa Franca says
Yes it is, Yigit!
Igor @ Cooking The Globe says
What a perfect summer salad. Sun dried tomatoes make every dish better!
Marisa Franca says
Luckily we have a big jar to enjoy.
Karen says
Sounds and looks wonderful! How many would this serve for a luncheon?
Marisa Franca says
Hi Karen, I’d say it would serve 8-10 easily as a side dish.
Pat says
Hello Marisa!
I’m glad i saw your recipe featured on Shabby Fu Fu today. It looks delicious and I have been known to use a bag of tortellini past expiration date, myself. I am married to a native born Italian so I lovecooking Italian food. I will now be following your blog!
Marisa Franca says
Ciao Pat! Benvenuto! I am glad you’ve signed on. I’m always happy to have more Italian cooking enthusiasts. 🙂 Abbracci!
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
This salad looks delicious and a meal in itself! Pinned to share and bookmark because it’s definitely landing on our dinner table soon.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Marie! And with a title of “Frugalista” you know why I didn’t want to throw away the pasta 🙂
Wendi Spraker says
Oh Marisa! I feel your pain! My own sweet hubby is always wanting to throw away the bits of stuff in bottles in the fridge! It offends me to my soul!
Your salad is LOVELY and I am sure it is just as tasty! Which reminds me I have been considering a cheese tortillini salad with strawberries, basil and balsamic. Might be on the menu for the weekend! I’ll have to go scout up some good strawberries. Thanks for a wonderful post!!
Marisa Franca says
Wendi that sounds delicious! You’ll have to let me know how you made your salad. Have a great week.
Ciao Chow Linda says
I love the way you wrote this post. Very clever. I’m not a fan of pasta salads, but this does look delicious. Good for you for salvaging the bag of pasta.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Linda. We Italians don’t like to throw things away, do we? And we don’t make a lot of pasta salad because sometimes they all taste the same. This didn’t — love your photos of your vacation.
Susie says
We love pasta salads……sounds delicious……..I plan to make this next week! Thanks, MARISA…..
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Susie!! Yep, pasta salad is great to have on hand. Love and hugs to all of you.
Diane P. says
What a great combination of flavors! Love everything in this salad. Will be making this soon 9like this week-end)!
Marisa Franca says
Grazie,amica! If you add salami to it do you think The Mr. will eat it?
Linda says
Printed out to make for us. A great recipe for summer! From a Delightsome Life today. Have a good one! Linda
Marisa Franca says
Grazie, Linda! We love having some kind of salad on hand. Every time we make a salad we end up making it a little different. You can get creative as you wish. Have a great week.
Carina Simeon says
Marisa, absolutely delicious and just what I wanted to eat, but……I can not buy Tortellini here in South India at all – and I can not make them either. Maybe I should experiment with another shape – what do you think, it’s worth a try, or not 🙂 🙂 Ciao Carina
Marisa Franca says
Absolutely Carina! Try it with any kind of pasta, it will still be delicious. Add your favorite veggies, olives, capers, etc. the combinations are endless! Let me know how you like it 🙂
Jovina Coughlin says
Throw away?? not for frugal Italians.
You made the perfect dish for this time of year. Love the combination of all those Mediterranean flavors.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you Jovina! I don’t think I ever saw my parents throw away anything. 🙂
Chiara says
I’ve never eaten tortellini salad, it’s a good idea for al fresco dinner !Un abbraccio
Marisa Franca says
You will have to try it — I’m sure you will like it. It is delicious for a picnic or dining al fresco — in fact you can add outstanding Italian meats to it. Un abbraccio!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Oh boy this salad is speaking to me! So happy you didn’t give up! We’ll be dining on your creation this weekend….a little barbecued chicken and a healthy serving of this tortellini… Delicious!!
Marisa Franca says
Annie, that sounds perfect!! In fact, that’s exactly what we served it with 🙂