Tortellini Spinach Salad With Sesame Dressing - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Dressing
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon tamari soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
1 lb frozen cheese tortellini
1 bell pepper, cut in thin strips (yellow, orange or red)
1 tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup slivered red onion
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (see note)
4 cups fresh spinach, washed, dried and torn in small pieces

Preparation

Combine dressing ingredients (oil through black pepper) in a jar, shaking to combine (or whisk together in a small bowl).
Cook tortellini according to package directions, being sure not to overcook. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
Stir the bell pepper, tomato and onion with the tortellini. Pour half of the dressing over and toss well.
Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours. (Cover and chill if longer than 1 hour. Bring to room temperature before serving.).
Just before serving, stir the spinach into the tortellini mixture. Pour on the remaining dressing and toss well. Sprinkle on the sesame seeds and toss again.
*Note: To toast sesame seeds, place in a small, dry skillet and toast over medium heat until they begin to pop and smoke slightly, about 3 minutes. Let cool. Be careful not to burn them!