Cheese Tortellini Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• 400g cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• For the dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time: 30 minutes (includes preparation and cooking time)

Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for tortellini)

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and blue cheese.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 450 calories per serving (based on using fresh ingredients)
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 18g

Dish Characteristics:

• This salad is a perfect combination of a creamy cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
• The blue cheese adds a unique flavor to the salad, making it a perfect dish for those who enjoy cheesy and rich flavors.
• It is an ideal dish for warm weather as it is refreshing and yet filling.

User Comments:

1. "This salad was delicious! The combination of flavors was spot on."
2. "I loved the blue cheese in this salad, it added a unique flavor that I didn't expect."
3. "This is a great dish for a summer picnic or barbecue."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the dressing according to your taste preferences.
• If using frozen tortellini, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding to the salad.