So as you guys already know, I'm not a big proponent of summer in the south. I was made for mild weather, so the 100% humidity and heat closing in on 100° isn't really my thing. If you see me outside during the summer and I am not floating in a pool, hydrate me. Quickly.
Anyway, I have a group of friends that are summer fanatics. They live for it, God love 'em. But apparently, what they love most is the simplicity of it all. Their days are spent lounging at the pool with their kids, and meals are whatever.
So while I am not adopting the obsession with summer, I will hold on dearly to the idea that summer meals can be simple. One of my mom role models, Christie, made a version of this at our weekly Bible study. Killer meal. Takes about 10 minutes, and is dirt cheap. Happy summer to us!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. block of mozzarella cheese
- 1 pack pepperoni
- Italian seasoning
- 19 oz. pack of cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Shaved parmesan
- Pepper
- Cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Olives (optional)
Directions:
This is the tortellini that I used. Good ole Walmart. You can also use plain pasta if that's all you have. Cook according to instructions. For me, that just meant boiling it until soft.
Cube the mozzarella and slice up the pepperoni.
Toss the mozzarella in a large bowl.
Add the pepperoni.
Toss in the tortellini. Preferably, this would not only be cooked, but cooled so it doesn't melt the cheese. If you're adding olives or cherry tomatoes, now is the time to do it. Both of those are choking hazards in my household, so we're staying away from that.
Add the seasonings and dressings, stirring well.
Top with shaved parmesan and serve cold.
Even though tortellini is normally heavy, this meal is surprisingly light and fresh. It won't leave you feeling overly-full and gross. Perfect for summertime when I am, coincidentally, already feeling gross.
Love and summer (if I have to),
