Tortellini Argula Salad

I found this recipe on the Food Network website and just decided to make it for a family function. It quickly turned into a dish that gets requested often. I have even substituted mini-ravioli for the tortellini, it's a nice difference.

• 2 pounds packaged tortellini, I use frozen and fresh but frozen is cheaper
  
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 1/4 cups
• 3 cups of grape tomatoes or 4 cups chopped tomatoes
  
• 4 tablespoons chopped tarragon leaves
• 4 tablespoons chopped, on a bias, basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley leaves
• 2 minced shallots
• 6 tablespoons lemon juice
  
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4-inch thick into approximately 30 slices
• 4 cups fresh arugula
  
• Salt
  
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. When fully cooked, drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and arugula allowing to wilt a little and to cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, herbs, shallots, lemon juice, and remaining 1 1/4 cups olive oil. Mix to combine and season with salt and pepper to combine. When the tortellini have cooled to room temperature toss with the vinaigrette.

When ready to serve, line the perimeter of a large serving platter with overlapping slices of the mozzarella. Spoon tortellini mixture in the middle.

Serve chilled. Serves 6+

Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Apple Salad

This has to be one of my favorite salads. It's so easy and so amazingly delicious. You can use any blue cheese, that's up to your taste, but you'll LOVE the flavor combination of the apples and blue cheese, it's pretty amazing!

6-8 cups lettuce, spinach, baby greens, whatever you like :)
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, or whatever you prefer (candied is alright, but toasted tastes better)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2-3 medium apples, green and/or red (the tangy and sweet are great together)

Mix together lettuce, walnuts, and cheese. Cut apples into slices and lay on top of mixed salad for a nice presentation. Serve with Vinaigrette (recipe follows) or a store bought Pomegranate vinaigrette tastes really great too. You can find a really delicious Pom. Vin. at Trader Joes.
Chill Salad. Serves 6-8

Good 'Ol Vinaigrette
1 tbsp. shallot, minced
1/2 cup balsamic or red wine vinegar
1/2 olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Champagne Salad

This recipe my grandmother has been serving for a long time. It's so simple yet never ceases to amaze people with how yummy it is!

2 heads or 2 bags of butter lettuce
slivered almonds
1 can tangerines
Ghirard's Champagne dressing

Mix all ingredients adding more or less ingredients as you see fit to your personal preferences.
Serve chilled. Serves 4-6

Tangy Poppy Seed Fruit Salad

8 cups of fruit cut into bite size pieces. It can be canned but obviously fresh would be preferred.

In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup limeade (concentrate) and 1/3 cup honey. Pour over fruit; mix well. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and toasted slivered almonds.

Serve immediately. Serves 6-8. Enjoy!