15-minute Pasta Salad

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This amazing meal can be yours in 15 minutes.

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Minute 1 – 3:  Bring pot of water to boil and turn on your George Foreman.  Meanwhile, slice two small plum tomatoes and three carrots.

 

Minute 4: Place carrots on George Foreman and grill until they brown (about 3 minutes).   Set tomatoes aside in a large bowl.

 

Minute 5:  Open a container of whole wheat cheese tortellini and pour into boiling water.  Set timer to 8 minutes.

 

Minute 5.5:  Place a small pot on the stove and pour in 1 cup of balsamic vinegar.  Bring to a rolling boil to make balsamic reduction (about 6 minutes or so).

 

Minute 6: Put 2 cups of raw spinach at the bottom of a colander.  This is a very easy trick to wilt spinach!

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Minute 7:  Remove carrots from grill and add to bowl with tomatoes.

 

Minute 13: Drain pasta over the spinach in the colander, shaking excessively to remove all the extra water.

 

Minute 14:  Add pasta and spinach to the bowl with the carrots and tomatoes.  Mix thoroughly and place on two serving dishes.

 

Minute 15: Pour balsamic reduction over pasta and eat!

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How can you NOT love a meal that simple?  Plus, I firmly believe that balsamic  reduction makes everything taste better.

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15-minute Pasta Salad

 

Ingredients (for two servings):

 

  • 1 package whole wheat cheese tortellini
  • 3 carrots
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • 2 cups raw spinach
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar

 

Directions:

 

  • Bring pot of water to boil and turn on your George Foreman.  Meanwhile, slice two small plum tomatoes and three carrots.
  • Place carrots on George Foreman and grill until they brown (about 3 minutes).   Set tomatoes aside in a large bowl.
  • Open a container of whole wheat cheese tortellini and pour into boiling water.  Cooking according to package directions.
  • Place a small pot on the stove and pour in 1 cup of balsamic vinegar.  Bring to a rolling boil to make balsamic reduction (about 6 minutes or so).
  • Put 2 cups of raw spinach at the bottom of a colander.  
  • Remove carrots from grill and add to bowl with tomatoes.
  • Drain pasta over the spinach in the colander, shaking excessively to remove all the extra water.
  • Add pasta and spinach to the bowl with the carrots and tomatoes.  Mix thoroughly and place on two serving dishes.  Pour balsamic reduction over pasta and eat!

 

In other news… Your daily dose of inspiration from Girls on the Run founder, Molly Barker.  I promise you’ll cry!

 

 

If you watch the entire video, Molly talks about having a “word” that encompasses what you are all about and what gets you excited about life/career.  I think my word is connection.

 

What’s your word?

{ 85 comments }

 

  • Sarah for Real October 21, 2010, 2:37 pm

    You’re so smart! Love that spinach trick.

  • Lisa October 21, 2010, 2:38 pm

    That looks awesome! I love pasta salads and tortellini is such a good idea.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 21, 2010, 2:40 pm

    You don’t put anything else in the balsamic reduction? No seasoning?

    • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 2:44 pm

      nope

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin October 21, 2010, 2:40 pm

    This looks awesome! I love 10 or 15 minute meals that are healthy and delicious!

  • Christine October 21, 2010, 2:43 pm

    Clever spinach trick!

    I thought you were going to put the colander ON TOP of the boiling water pot.

  • Kelly October 21, 2010, 2:43 pm

    Tortellini pasta salad is my favorite kind.

  • Jessica@tastyandtrim October 21, 2010, 2:44 pm

    That pasta salad looks simple, yet delicious! Such a great idea to grill carrots on the George Foreman. I swear that grill can do everything!

  • grocery goddess jen October 21, 2010, 2:46 pm

    The meal looks great.

    What would my word be? I’m not sure yet. I want to watch the whole clip when I have time, maybe that would help me figure out my word.

  • Christina October 21, 2010, 2:47 pm

    Oh my word that looks tasty! I love balsamic reduction but I hate the strong smell lol. My boyfriend loves the tastes but really hates when I make it. he says it makes his eyes burn lol.

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 21, 2010, 2:47 pm

    What a nice easy meal — and I love your spinach trick!

    I don’t have speakers hooked up so I can’t watch the videos yet, but going off of your explanation of what the “word” should be, mine is INFLUENCE.

  • Jess October 21, 2010, 2:47 pm

    I loooove tortellini

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life October 21, 2010, 2:51 pm

    I love that spinach trick! I would have never thought to do that! The pasta lunch looks fab!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) October 21, 2010, 2:53 pm

    Love it!! Thanks for the quick and simple meal. I want to make this right now!

  • Leah @ L4L October 21, 2010, 2:53 pm

    That spinach wilting trick is GENIUS. Idea is *officially* stolen!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) October 21, 2010, 2:53 pm

    LOVE the tip about draining the pasta over spinach… BRILLIANT!

  • Becky October 21, 2010, 2:55 pm

    Ok you are officially a genius. I had never thought to drain the pasta over the spinach. Duh. I love that.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 21, 2010, 2:55 pm

    Yumm that looks great! I’ve got a mad craving for grilled veggies with balsamic reduction now…. might just have to be my dinner tonight! 🙂

  • carlee October 21, 2010, 2:59 pm

    That looks great!

  • Kristina @ spabettie October 21, 2010, 3:00 pm

    HA !! I have been through an exercise before where we find a word… mine is CONNECTOR. 🙂 many people over the years have called me a connector… I get people together! I have always been one with friends from all different backgrounds – and when it fits, I connect!

  • Rachel @ EatMoreMeatLess October 21, 2010, 3:03 pm

    Looks delicious!! What a great idea to wilt spinach!

  • Sarah October 21, 2010, 3:04 pm

    I did not know how to make balsamic reduction before. I have a feeling I’ll be making it several times in the coming weeks now:).

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking October 21, 2010, 3:05 pm

    I LOVE tortellini. I’m semi-obsessed with it. Wish it wasn’t so expensive though!

  • Julie @SavvyEats October 21, 2010, 3:08 pm

    Love the wilting trick… conserves water, too. 😉

  • Charlie October 21, 2010, 3:17 pm

    I love stuffed pasta. And balsamic vinegar. In short, I need to make this dish ;).
    + Such a great idea to drain pasta over spinach!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing October 21, 2010, 3:18 pm

    Annnd adding this to my list of things to make ASAP!

  • rebecca lustig October 21, 2010, 3:19 pm

    wow, what a great video. thanks for sharing this today

  • Lori Lynn October 21, 2010, 3:21 pm

    Do you find the tortellini in the pasta aisle? I’ve never looked for something like that.

    • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 3:22 pm

      It’s usually in a special refrigerated pasta section or near the cheese in the refrigerated area!

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? October 21, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I LOVE that spinach trick. What a good idea!

  • Kiran October 21, 2010, 3:23 pm

    A great spinach trick! I would take any trick to reduce the cooking/kitchen time 😉

    I love the word “inspire”…

  • Tabitha (From Single to Married) October 21, 2010, 3:24 pm

    that looks fantastic and I especially appreciate that it’s quick and easy!

  • Kaitlin October 21, 2010, 3:26 pm

    my word: discovery.

    as a grad student in the sciences and a young woman, discovery’s what it’s all about 🙂

  • Shanna, like Banana October 21, 2010, 3:27 pm

    Can’t ever go wrong with tortellini especially when it’s quick and easy and has a nice spinach punch!

  • Rachel October 21, 2010, 3:33 pm

    I wish my water boiled that quickly! You must have a fancier stove than I.

  • Michelle @ a Whole lot of Life October 21, 2010, 3:36 pm

    I would say HOPE is my word right now, but it’s so hard to choose just one!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 21, 2010, 3:41 pm

    I love quick meals like this! Looks delicious!

  • Tiffany October 21, 2010, 3:42 pm

    I think my word is “change.” (in a good way!)

  • Marina October 21, 2010, 3:52 pm

    Your meal looks awesome. That balsamic reduction is intriguing, I need to try it with something

  • diana October 21, 2010, 3:56 pm

    quick meal is always the BEST when i’m lazy or just want something simple!

  • Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) October 21, 2010, 3:56 pm

    I love quick and easy meals like this because I never want to spend too long in the kitchen. I love how you wilted the spinach, it’s such a good tip!

  • Kate October 21, 2010, 4:02 pm

    Ever since you mentioned balsamic reduction a couple weeks ago I’ve been obsessed with it!! I agree! It does make everything better.

  • Kate October 21, 2010, 4:02 pm

    Ever since you mentioned balsamic reduction a couple weeks ago I’ve been obsessed with it!! I agree! It does make everything better.

  • Allison October 21, 2010, 4:16 pm

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE your layout for this recipe! When I am trying to make a meal in a hurry, it really helps to know when to do each step to minimize the total time. Please post more fast meals like this in the future! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

    • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 4:17 pm

      OK 🙂 Glad you liked it!

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries October 21, 2010, 4:22 pm

    Oh gosh…how do you pick just one word? I would say “passion”. I think most folks in the US could use a good dose of passion…I say that with love, too.

  • Camille October 21, 2010, 4:24 pm

    I think my word would be “comfort”. I want to be comfortable is my life, my decisions, and my career. It doesn’t have to mean I am a millionaire, just comfortable.

  • Amy Ramos October 21, 2010, 4:45 pm

    Dear Caitlin:
    I want to thank you for my new obsession. Baked beans and baked sweet potato. When I see baked beans, I think of sweet potato. When I see a sweet potato, I think of baked beans.
    Is this bad?

    • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 4:46 pm

      hahaha it is SUCH a good combo

  • Michele October 21, 2010, 5:01 pm

    Meal looks great, VIDEOS WERE OFF THE CHARTS AMAZING!!! I sent them to our two girls (ages 14 & 12) to watch.

    What an inspiration Molly is!

  • katie October 21, 2010, 5:24 pm

    mmmh balsamic reduction is even amazing on brie and pears and strawberries… better than frosting if you ask me!

  • Katy October 21, 2010, 5:33 pm

    The pasta salad looks AMAZING! I’m going to have to try that soon!

    I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks and I’ve become inspired to start helping with Girls on the Run in my community. I am hoping to start helping in the spring!

    Thanks for such an amazing blog!

    • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 6:00 pm

      So glad you are working with GOTR too! 🙂 Thanks for reading!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) October 21, 2010, 5:37 pm

    What a tasty (and quick!) meal!!!

  • Anne @ Life is a Joy October 21, 2010, 5:41 pm

    Love the spinach technique/trick! No more overcooking the spinach for me. Have you ever tried Shirataki tofu noodles? Near the tofu in Whole Foods refrigerated section.. they have different shaped nooldes (spag, fett, wide noodles, etc.) No cooking required, just soak in hot water for a few minutes. Original ones from the orient are made from yams. Yum, Yum.

    • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 6:01 pm

      ooo that sounds interesting.

  • Nikka B October 21, 2010, 6:05 pm

    That was a great video, I am so glad I took the time to watch it.
    I don’t know what my word is, yet.
    But I do know if I ever want red cowboy boots,
    ‘imma go get me some’ 😉
    Thanks!

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama October 21, 2010, 6:08 pm

    There is nothing better than a 15 minute meal!! I think my word is PASSION.

  • Bonnie October 21, 2010, 6:18 pm

    Oh, spelling! On minute 5.5 you typed store. I think you might have meant stove… 🙂 I love your blog, it’s inspiring.

    • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 6:41 pm

      heheh man. thanks! changed.

  • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 6:23 pm

    Good word! I like connection. I might choose that, or People, or Others, or Public Service (um…maybe not) or Words or Emotions or Feelings. I might be all over the place.

  • Marie-JourneyToBodyZen October 21, 2010, 6:55 pm

    that pasta looks delish!

  • Ramona October 21, 2010, 7:09 pm

    That pasta dish looks delicious! Thanks for the tip about wilting the spinach. I will definitely try that soon.

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair October 21, 2010, 7:37 pm

    That looks AMAZING, I can’t wait to make it! I have never attempted to make a balsamic reduction before, though. What do you mean by rolling boil?! (Sorry if this is a stupid question! I really don’t know!)

    🙂

    • Caitlin October 21, 2010, 8:33 pm

      rolling boil – a constant, strong boil. there are no stupid questions 🙂

      • Kristy October 22, 2010, 9:09 am

        Dear Caitlin: I <3 You! That is all.

  • Michele October 21, 2010, 8:02 pm

    I have watched the complete videos twice now – still moved to tears; THANK YOU for sharing…

  • Lauren October 21, 2010, 8:04 pm

    You prove that eating a nutritious and delicious lunch is as easy as 1 2 3!

  • Wei-Wei October 21, 2010, 8:16 pm

    I actually think that someone should make a minute-by-minute blog like this. 😀

  • maria @ Chasing the Now October 21, 2010, 9:04 pm

    I like the recipe breakdown and that spinach trick seems like a big time/dish saver. I don’t actually like wilted spinach, but I am sure there are lots of people it will help.

    I think my word is concerned. I’m always alert to the things going on with me, the world around me, and the people I love and care about.

  • Aggie October 21, 2010, 9:09 pm

    I have such a weakness for tortellini. And all those veggies, what a great dish!! I have to think about my word a little longer…

  • Meredith October 21, 2010, 9:26 pm

    I’m TED Talks OBSESSED! Great video!

  • Laurie October 21, 2010, 9:28 pm

    SUPERCALAFRAGALISTICEXPEEOLODOSHUS!!!!!!!

    Thank you for sharing this.

  • elaine! October 21, 2010, 10:26 pm

    TED Talks are always amazing… and Molly is an incredible speaker. How awesome that you get to work with her!

  • Jess October 21, 2010, 10:52 pm

    compassion. im a teacher…that was a very interesting post! thanks for inspiring thought!

  • Kristy October 22, 2010, 9:08 am

    Thank you sharing and spreading the GOTR love. This organization has touched me deeply. I want to shout from the roof tops the message that GOTR preches.

  • Charise October 22, 2010, 10:05 am

    During a grad school class we had to come up with a word to build our personal mission statements around. Mine is “balance” – in the personal, professional, social, mental, and physical areas of my life!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life October 22, 2010, 10:12 am

    Your salad looks delicious!

    I’m gonna say for the time being that my word is “satisfaction”. It’s the best feeling to accomplish everything you had planned for the day then sit back and relax with a feeling of satisfaction 🙂

  • Amber K October 22, 2010, 12:17 pm

    It was really hard to hear the videos, but I think I got the gist. What an amazing organization and I am so glad there are people like you helping out and spreading that love!

  • natalie (the sweets life) October 22, 2010, 12:24 pm

    That looks awesome! Like you, I’m all about the balsamic reduction. You have to make this cranberry bruschetta I made…the balsamic reduction is the best part 🙂 http://www.thesweetslife.com/2010/10/cranberry-bruschetta.html

  • Morgan October 22, 2010, 3:06 pm

    Molly is such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing those Ted Talks.

  • Elizabeth October 22, 2010, 4:28 pm

    Wow! I wasn’t expecting to cry when I saw 15-minute Past Salad. You have to warn us a little!

    My word is smiling. 🙂

    Thank you SO much for sharing! That was amazing, and I am definitely smiling.

  • Kirsten @ Cooking in Japan October 24, 2010, 12:43 am

    Tortelini in pasta salad. Brilliant. Looks more substantial than regular pasta.
    I also do the same trick to wilt spinach and other greens.

  • Correen February 1, 2011, 5:58 pm

    Oh I am dying here! I just know this pasta salad is packed with tons of flavor. Adding link to here on my new (still creating) 50+ 15 minute pasta dishes. The gals I know are gonna love this one for sure!

  • Correen February 1, 2011, 6:11 pm

    PS I just came up with a good name for your salad 🙂 Cheese Tortellini With Spinach and Balsamic Reduction…whatcha’ think?

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