Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen tortellini
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
• 1 ear steamed or boiled corn, kernels sliced off the cob
• 1 tomato, halved, seeds squeezed out, flesh sliced into strips
• 1/2 medium cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeds scooped out, sliced into strips
• 1/2 small red onion, diced or thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2/3 cup canola or olive oil or a combination
• salt and pepper to taste
• crumbled goat cheese to garnish

Procedures

1. 1
   Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually until they float. Drain, rinse, and allow to cool while preparing the other ingredients.
2. 2
   In a small food processor (or whisk by hand in a large serving bowl), combine the vinegar and Dijon mustard. Process for 15 seconds until creamy, or whisk vigorously. Add the oil while the food processor is running to create a smooth emulsion, or dribble slowly into the bowl while whisking constantly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. 3
   Combine the vegetables and dressing in a salad bowl. Add the tortellini and toss gently to coat. Season to taste, and serve with goat cheese crumbled on top.