Tortellini Salad - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 lb. cheese-filled tortellini
1/4 c. olive oil, preferably extra-virgin
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 c. finely chopped parsley
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 lb. thinly sliced ham or Prosciutto, chopped
1/4 lb. smoked or hickory-barbecued turkey, chopped (about 1 c.)
1/4 lb. Mozzarella or Provolone cheese, diced
3/4 c. frozen Chinese pea pods, thawed and drained
2 carrots, peeled and shredded
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
lettuce leaves

Preparation

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook tortellini until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain well and allow to cool 5 minutes.
Return pasta to pot.
Add oil, vinegar, garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese, tossing gently until well mixed.
Stir in ham, turkey, Mozzarella cheese, pea pods, carrots and bell pepper; tossing until well mixed.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves.