posted by techgoddess 05-27-101 10:32 AM 
 
Cold Summer Tortellini Salad 
  
1 pkg tortellini - 8 oz 
1 tomato - peeled 
3-4 slices hard salami 
3-4 fresh mushrooms 
4-5 black Greek olives, pitted 
1 slice of mild cheddar cheese--1/2" thick 
1 slice of mozzarelli--1/2" thick 
1 slice of provolone cheese--1/2" thick 
use any small pieces of veggies that you would like. 
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 
1 small clove garlic, finely minced 
1/4 tsp garlic salt 
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper 
2-3 tbsp cider vinegar 
* 1 tsp hot red pepper flakes - (optional) 
Peel and chop the tomato. Julienne the hard salami. Chop the olives. Cube the cheese into 1/2" cubes. Clean and slice the mushrooms. 
Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cool water. Add the salad ingredients. 
In a small deep bowl add the oil, garlic, garlic salt, black pepper, vinegar and hot red pepper. Whisk until thoroughly mixed. Pour over the salad and mix well. Refrigerate for a few hours to blend flavors. Mix well again before serving. Garnish with fresh tomato wedges or orange slices and parsley.