Basil Tortellini Salad

Modified from Better Homes and Gardens

1 (7 oz) pkg frozen cheese tortellini

1 small red sweet pepper, diced (or green if you are cheap like me)

1 cup broccoli flowerets

3/4 cup thinly sliced carrot (1 large)

1/2 cup salad dressing or mayonnaise (I used Ranch)

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp snipped fresh basil or 1 tsp dried basil

1 tbsp milk

1/4 tsp pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

Cook pasta according to direction on package. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water, drain again. In mixing bowl, combine pasta, pepper, broccoli and carrot.

For dressing, in a small bowl stir the dressing, Parmesan, basil, milk, pepper, and garlic. Pour the dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 4-24 fours. Before serving add a little more milk if dry (you can also put nuts on the top of it, but I think that sounds gross, but you might not).

Makes 6 side dish servings.