When it comes to dishes that are mayonnaise based, I’m pretty picky. And when I say picky, what I really mean is that I don’t like them at all. Because of this, I usually stay from those mysterious side dishes that end in the word “salad”, particularly of the potato and pasta variety. Also, can we all just agree that those shouldn’t be classified as salads? They’re doused in mayonnaise, and don’t really contain many vegetables.

Anyway, since I didn’t want to be left out of all the summer “salad” fun, I set out to make mayonnaise-less version of pasta salad, and I tossed in lots of vegetables for good measure. Also, instead of the traditional spiral pasta, I used tortellini, because it’s filled with cheese, and how can you go wrong with that??

We ate this as a meal, but it would also be great as a side dish for your next summer barbecue. Also, we served it in mason jars, because it’s adorable and convenient. Do it, it makes it taste better, promise!

Printable Recipe
Serves 4 as a meal, 8 as a side dish

ingredients:
1 7oz package tortellini
1 cup broccoli
1 cup carrots
1 large cucumber
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian dressing

instructions:
Boil the tortellini according to the package directions. While the tortellini is cooking, chop the broccoli, carrots, and cucumber.