BBQ Garden Fresh Tortellini Pasta Salad

A tasty BBQ take on the traditional tortellini pasta salad, with fresh garden veggies, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Because grilling gives it a smoky flavor, its a great side dish for barbecues.

Ingredients:

• 1 package fresh tortellini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the tortellini according to package instructions

Drain and let it cool

In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, fresh basil, and feta cheese

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, salt, and pepper

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat evenly

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld

Preheat the BBQ grill to medium-high heat

Thread the tortellini and vegetable mixture onto skewers

Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortellini gets a nice char and the vegetables are slightly tender

Remove from the grill and serve immediately

Garnish with additional fresh basil and feta cheese if desired