Tortellini Salad

 This was a recipe my mom used to make years ago. It a great summer salad - could be as a side or main dish. The recipe came from Pittsburgh Magazine - that's where they lived at the time. Parsley as you can see I didnt have on hand....

 1 pound  cheese-filled tortellini, spinach or egg

  3/4 cup  olive oil

  1/2 pound  prosciutto or other ham -- 3/8" diced

  1/2  pound  smoked turkey breasts -- 3/8" diced

  1 cup  frozen peas -- defrosted

  2 medium  carrots -- julienned

  1 large  red pepper -- julienned

   1/2 cup  parsley -- finely chopped

  2 cloves  garlic -- minced

  lemon juice to taste

  red leaf lettuce (optional) -- garnish

  freshly ground pepper

Cook tortellini in boiling salted water until tender.  Do not overcook.  Drain, rinse in cold water.  

Place in large bowl, toss with 1/4 cup olive oil, cover and refrigerate.  

Prepare ham, turkey, peas, carrots and pepper and add to pasta.  

Shortly before serving, whisk together remaining oil, parsley, garlic and lemon juice to taste.  

Toss the salad, adding a grind of pepper.  

Arrange on lettuce leaves in a large bowl or on individual plates. 

Serves 6.