Creamy Italian Antipasto Salad

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 Servings

2 cups Creamy Italian Dressing
1 lb. Tortellini pesto pasta, pre-cooked al dente
6 oz. hard sausage, chopped into ½” cubes
6 oz. smoked Gouda cheese, cut into ½” cubes
8 oz. whole baby corn, canned, drained
8 oz. Artichoke hearts, marinated drained
½ cup whole pitted Kalamata olives
To taste:  Salt and Pepper

Procedure:
1. In a large bowl, combine sausage, Gouda, baby corn, artichoke hearts and olives; mix gently.
2. Add the al dente tortellini to the other ingredients, pour 1 cup of the dressing over the ingredients and mix gently.
3. Let stand one hour to blend flavors. Enjoy!

Chef’s Notes: My recipe for Creamy Italian Dressing has previously been published.  I particularly like the dry pasta available at Trader Joes. It comes in a one-pound package and although it says to cook for 12-14 min., I had good luck cooking it only about 9-10 minutes. Try substituting other hard cheeses for the Gouda—interesting choices would include smoked cheddar, asiago, farmhouse English cheddar, and imported Provolone.  Other pitted olives such as Picholine or Nyons could be substituted.  Try adding marinated mushrooms. Finally, let your imagination be your guide.

Creamy Italian Dressing

For a Party of Six to Eight

1 or 2 garlic cloves, sliced
Kosher salt
¼ c heavy cream
¼ c Best Foods mayonnaise
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (use the real stuff)
1/3-cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Using a mortar and pestle (or the flat side of a chef’s knife) crush the garlic and a large pinch of kosher salt into a paste.  Transfer the paste to a medium mixing bowl and whisk in the cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard until well blended.  Slowly add the olive oil while whisking. Add the parsley and oregano, mix well and then season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.  Enjoy!