Cheese Tortellini and Romaine Chicken Salad

I can't help but find humor in the fact that at right this very second I am watching my family members do their "Insanity"workout whilst I drink a cocktail and blog. Hey, I went on a 4 mile intense hike today and entertained a highly energetic 3 year old, so I think it's ok just this once. I must admit, it's making me want to jump around with them, I love to exercise. But since I'm 1/2 way through my cocktail and my blog needs tending, I think I'll ride this lazy train until they're done.

 I am trying to beef up my recipe collection, and though it's already pretty hefty already, I need some new fun and healthy ideas. Here's a recipe for a new salad my sister came up with, and now it's one of our family favorites for a meal when we want to hang out more than spend a ton of time in the kitchen.

Cheese Tortellini and Romaine Chicken Salad

 

 

-1 head of Romaine Lettuce, washed and sliced into thin strips

 

-2 cups cooked chicken, cut into cubes

 

-1 package cheese tortellini, cooked to package directions

 

-1 cup poppyseed dressing, store-bought or homemade

 

-1 cup dried cranberries

 

-1/2 cup sunflower seeds

 

-1 cup parmesan cheese

 

- Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and chill 2 hours before serving.

 

 

 

 

 

The adorable baby in the background is my niece Reggie, eating something called a "mum mum", wishing she could eat some of the salad I am toying with.

 

 

Yum. Usually I am the type of girl to make everything from scratch, and I've made the Tortellini and dressing from scratch , and its mind-blowing.  But  when you have ridiculously cute kids to hang out with and fall colors in the Boundary Waters to hike, you make something quick and awesome that you can stuff in your caw and hit the trails.

 



 

 You can also make this sans chicken to make it veggie or as a side dish. Super yummy and fast, and pretty healthy too, which is always the most important thing. Unless it's chocolate, then that's the most important thing. Enjoy!