Tortellini Caesar Salad
User Reviews
5
Tortellini Caesar Salad
Description
The salad features cheese tortellini cooked and cooled, mixed with crisp romaine lettuce and fresh tomato pieces. Optional parmesan adds a salty, savory note. Homemade croutons made from stale bread are tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper then baked until golden and crunchy, providing a contrast to the tender pasta and fresh vegetables. The Caesar dressing—either homemade or purchased—is added just before serving to coat the ingredients lightly but fully.
This salad offers a complete dish that can work as a main or side, combining pasta and greens for varied textures and flavors. The fresh and crisp components contrast with the creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, bringing balance. It can be adapted with different parmesan amounts or dressing quantities to taste.
Making croutons from stale bread helps reduce waste and adds a satisfying crunch. Using fresh vegetables and quality dressing contributes to the salad’s overall freshness and appeal.
Ingredients
- 9 oz cheese tortellini , frozen or refrigerated
- 4-6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 tomato , chopped or diced
- Parmesan Cheese optional, fresh, for topping
- 1/2-1 cup caesar dressing , homemade or store-bought
HOMEMADE CROUTONS
- 2 cups bread stale french baguette + ciabatta are my fav!) approx. 2-3 oz, diced
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- First make the croutons. This is a perfect way to use up older/stale bread. Preheat oven to 375°F. Add cubed bread to a bowl with oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well (using your hands works best to really work it into every piece) and spread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake on the center rack for 12-16 minutes or until golden and crisp. Times will vary slightly based on type and staleness of bread.
- While the croutons cook, bring a small/medium pot of water to a boil and cook tortellini via package instructions. Approx 3 minutes for fresh and 4-5 min for frozen tortellini. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine romaine, tortellini, chopped tomatoes, and optional parmesan cheese. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and mix well to coat pasta and veggies. Top with croutons and enjoy!
Notes
- Homemade croutons provide crisp texture and can be made from stale bread to reduce waste.
- Adjust dressing quantity to coat salad lightly without weighing down ingredients.
- Use fresh tomatoes and romaine for best crunch and flavor contrast.
- Draining tortellini after cooking and rinsing with cold water cools pasta for salad use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 440 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 440kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 711mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 215mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 4350IU | 87% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 143mg | 14% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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