Maryscuk's Tortellini Salad

Ingredients:
1 7-ounce package frozen cheese tortellini or 3 ½ ounces (2 cups) packaged cheese-filled tortellini
1 small red sweet pepper, cut into bite-size strips
1 cup broccoli flowerets
¾ cup thinly sliced carrot (1 large)
½ cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp snipped fresh basil or 1 tsp dried basil, crushed
1 Tbsp milk
¼ tsp pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts, toasted

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta. Rinse with cold water; drain again. In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, sweet pepper, broccoli, & carrot.

For dressing, in a small bowl stir together the mayo, Parmesan cheese, basil, milk, pepper, & garlic. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss lightly to coat. Cover & chill for 4 to 24 hours.

Before serving, stir in nuts & if necessary, more milk to moisten. Makes 6 side-dish servings.