Tailgate Pasta

I was going to post this recipe for a Tortellini Salad that I made for our Tailgate Party on Saturday.  I had so much to do and pack that I didn't take adequate photos.  So, these are my only shots of the salad.  Sorry about that.  All this to say, that it is still a fabulous, easy pasta salad to feed a crowd.  

Tortellini Salad

2 (16 oz) bags frozen cheese tortellini

1 head broccoli, cut into flowerettes

2 green peppers, diced

1 or 2 zucchini, sliced

3 large tomatoes, chopped

1 lb. mushrooms, sliced

16 oz can small, ripe pitted olives

1 lb provolone, cubed

12 oz hard salami, cubed (no peppercorns)

1 cup (or more) grated parmesan cheese

Italian Dressing

The day before cook tortellini, rinse in cold water.  Drain well.  Toss with 1/2 bottle dressing. Cover and chill.  Next day, add remaining ingredients.  Toss with parmesan cheese.  You can add more dressing, if desired.  

Makes a very large amount and can be halved or items left out.  

I made this without some of the veggies and the salami.  We were already having several other things.  The menu included cold fried chicken, a slaw salad (no mayo), my pasta salad, chips, apples, homemade cookies, water, soda, tea.  They also got goodie bags full of necessities. 

Thanks to a friend, you can see almost all the crowd!