Chicken & Tortellini Spinach Salad

Name: Chicken & Tortellini Spinach Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 9 servings.
Ingredients: 2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach; 1 package (22 ounces) frozen grilled chicken breast strips, cut into 1-inch pieces; 12 slices red onion, halved; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese; BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Not only is this attractive salad easy to make, but it is, delicious, light and filling as well.—Michelle Ashton, St. Johns, Arizona

Ingredients

2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach
1 package (22 ounces) frozen grilled chicken breast strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 slices red onion, halved
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large saucepan, cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the spinach, chicken, onion, cranberries and feta cheese. Drain pasta. Cool for 5 minutes. Add to spinach mixture.
For vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour over spinach mixture; gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

2 cups: 432 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 820mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.

Originally published as Chicken Tortellini Spinach Salad with Balsamic Tomato Vinaigrette in Diabetes Spring 2013 Bookazine