Broccoli/Tortellini Salad

This recipe comes to me via my friend Paula, who says she's "not a salad person, but this is wonderful!" I made a few minor tweaks, but the majority of the recipe Paula shared is in tact.

Broccoli/Tortellini Salad

• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled -OR- 6 Tbsp. of bacon bits (I prefer Hormel Real Bacon Bits - Peppered)
• 1 9 oz. package of cheese tortellini 
• 3 crowns (small heads) broccoli, trimmed and cut
• 1 cup raisins or craisins (I prefer craisins)
• 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1 small to medium onion, diced (you can use any type of onion, including green onions)

Cook tortellini as directed; drain, rinse with cool water and let cool. Mix all ingredients together in big bowl.

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Kraft Olive Oil w/Cracked Pepper Mayo)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar (the original recipe called for 2 tsp.)

Pour dressing over salad and toss well. Serve chilled.

I AM a salad person, and Paula's right, this IS wonderful; and the bonus, little ones, is that it's a great way to use the abundance of broccoli in the garden this time of year.