It's always nice to have a variety to pick from, especially during the Summer.

Here are a few TNT I had in mind. (I eyeball the amounts - dressing, cheese, etc, & use any pasta of choice - Bow-ties/farfalle, orzo or mushroom agnolotti.) Top w/ crunchy herb/garlic croutons, if you like.

Layered Mediterranean Tortellini Salad
Serving Size : 12



2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated fresh cheese Tortellini (Half spinach tortellini & half plain make an attractive dish)
6 tablespoons Greek or Italian dressing - eyeball it
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup crumbled feta cheese - I use more
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded fresh basil
1 1/2 cups sliced cucumber
1 can (13.75 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed and quartered
1 can (6 oz) pitted whole ripe olives, drained (about 1 1/3 cups)
Ground black pepper
1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese - to taste

Prepare pasta according to package; rinse in cold water, drain well. Place tortellini in a bowl. Add 4 tablespoons salad dressing; toss gently to coat.

Place tomatoes in large glass serving bowl; drizzle with 1 tablespoon salad dressing. Top with 1/2 of the tortellini, feta cheese, red onion and basil; drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon salad dressing. Top with remaining tortellini, cucumbers, artichokes and olives. Cover; refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Season with pepper; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

http://www.meals.com/Recipes/Layered-Me ... eid=144498"

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Another layered pasta salad. Add more dressing if you like (or serve some on the side) & more cheese



http://www.ilovepasta.org/recipes/Layer ... Salad.html

Those are really pretty! I'll be trying them when we have more of an "adult" cook out and they'll appreciate it because of the presentation. lol