Here's a couple ideas for you, Erin.
This salad was a favorite during my catering days - if necessary just omit the salami.
ANTIPASTO TORTELLINI SALAD
Recipe By: a Chef's Journey, Jan. 1999
Serving Size : 8
1 16 oz. package cheese tortellini -- fresh or frozen
4 ounces Salami -- chopped, ~1 cup
4 ounces provolone cheese -- cut into 2X1/4X1/4" strips
1 11 oz. can whole kernel corn
1 9 oz. package frozen spinach -- thawed, squeezed to drain
1 6 oz. jar marinated artichoke heart -- drained, chopped
1 6 oz. can ripe olives -- pitted, drained, sliced (~1 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 cups Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 ounces Parmesan cheese -- grated (must admint I don't think I've ever stopped at 2 oz....
)
2 oz. jar diced pimientos -- drained
Cook tortellini to desired doneness. Drain; rinse w/cold water.
In a very large bowl, combine tortellini with salami, provolone, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts & 1 cup of the olives.
In a small bowl, combine dressing, Dijon & 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese; blend well.
Pour dressing over salad; toss gently.
Top w/remaining olives and Parmesan cheese.
Cover; refrigerate 1-2 hours to blend flavors.
Just before serving, garnish w/pimientos
Alternate: Just mix all the salad ingredients together mix with dressing mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan to serve.
Yield:
"3 quarts"
Serving Ideas : This is a wonderful buffet dish.
This salad quickly became a family favorite -
BBQ MACARONI SALAD
Recipe By :a Chef's Journey
Serving Size : 10
16 ozs macaroni, cooked -- salad
1/2 c red onion -- minced, red or white
8 ozs marinara sauce
1 1/2 c celery -- chopped
1 c sweet pickle relish
4 ozs black olives -- chopped or sliced
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 c mayonnaise -- or miricle whip
salt and pepper
Mix together the marinara sauce, celery, relish, olives & chili powder. Add the cooked macaroni & onion, combine gently.
Add the mayo and salt and pepper and mix together
Cover and refrigerate a few hours or overnite.
NOTES : This salad will keep in the frig a week and just gets better & better!