Tortellini Caesar Salad

IamMrsG · ‎08-29-2010

Carol1229 shared this recipe with us back in 2013. I pulled it from my archives (ooh, that sounds both dirty and painful!) for dinner this evening. We thoroughly enjoyed it with warm French bread and chilled Chardonnay. BTW, the parenthetical comments and footnotes are Carol's.

Carol, if you're 'out there,' thanks again and know that you are missed.

Tortellini Caesar Salad

1 (9-14 oz.) pkg. frozen cheese tortellini

½ cup mayonnaise (I use low fat mayonnaise)
1/4 cup milk (I use low fat milk)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or you can use the shredded Parmesan in the bag found in the dairy case-don't use the one in the can though-it's way too dry and salty)
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 cups torn Romaine lettuce*
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese**
1 cup seasoned croutons
Halved grape or cherry tomatoes (optional - use regular cut-up tomatoes)

Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.

For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, 1/4 cups Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic and pepper.

Place tortellini in a large salad bowl. Add Romaine lettuce and 1/3 cups Parmesan cheese.

Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Top with croutons and tomatoes, if desired. 10 servings.

Carol's notes: *You can mix different kinds of lettuce if you choose. I usually serve the dressing on the side when we have it here at home so that we can enjoy the salad for a few days without it getting soggy.

**I sprinkle on the cheese as I serve it....I find it easier to control that way.

Add some cooked sliced or cubed chicken to this and you've got yourself a main dish salad...great during the summer on those I don't want to heat up the kitchen nights.

Mrs. G's note: The only change I made is to zest the lemon before juicing it. Never waste the zest!

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.