Chilled Caesar Tortellini Delight
This refreshing Chilled Caesar Tortellini Delight is a perfect summer dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese-filled tortellini with the crunch of fresh vegetables. The salad features vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, zesty purple onion, and briny black olives all tossed in a tangy Caesar dressing. Topped with shredded parmesan and served over a bed of romaine lettuce, this salad can be enjoyed as a delightful side or a satisfying main course, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Both kids and adults will love this tasty twist on a classic Caesar salad!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
refrigerated cheese-filled egg tortellini
9 ounces (uncooked)
cherry tomatoes
2 cups (halved)
purple onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
black olives
1/4 cup (sliced)
shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 cup
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
cucumber
1 medium (thinly sliced)
commercial Caesar salad dressing
3/4 cup
shredded romaine lettuce
8 cups
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Caesar Tortellini Delight?
It is a refreshing summer pasta salad that combines cheese-filled tortellini with fresh vegetables and Caesar dressing.
What type of tortellini is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 9 ounces of refrigerated cheese-filled egg tortellini.
Do I need to cook the tortellini?
Yes, although the ingredient list mentions 'uncooked' as the starting state, the tortellini should be cooked and chilled before assembly.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes cherry tomatoes, cucumber, purple onion, and black olives.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
What kind of onion works best for this dish?
Purple onion is used to provide a zesty flavor and vibrant color.
How do I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be medium-sized and thinly sliced.
Are the olives whole or sliced?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sliced black olives.
What kind of dressing is used?
Commercial Caesar salad dressing is used for convenience and flavor.
How much Caesar dressing is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of commercial Caesar salad dressing.
What is the base of the salad?
The salad is served over a generous bed of 8 cups of shredded romaine lettuce.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe features cheese-filled tortellini and 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
Can I add pepper to this salad?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/2 teaspoon of pepper for seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is tagged as kid-friendly and features flavors that both kids and adults enjoy.
Is Chilled Caesar Tortellini Delight served hot or cold?
It is served chilled, making it an ideal dish for warm weather.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be enjoyed either as a delightful side dish or a satisfying main course.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple assembly of fresh ingredients.
Can I make this for a family gathering?
Absolutely, it is described as an ideal dish for family gatherings and casual dinners.
What category does this dish fall under?
It is categorized as a salad, specifically a pasta salad or chilled salad.
Can I add protein like chicken to this recipe?
While the basic recipe is vegetarian-friendly, adding grilled chicken would complement the Caesar theme well.
How much romaine lettuce is needed?
The recipe requires 8 cups of shredded romaine lettuce.
What makes this a 'summer dish'?
Its refreshing, chilled temperature and use of fresh, crisp vegetables make it perfect for summer.
Can I use a different type of tortellini?
Yes, while cheese-filled is recommended, you could experiment with spinach or mushroom tortellini.
How do I chop the purple onion?
The purple onion should be finely chopped to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the salad.
Is the parmesan cheese shredded or grated?
The recipe specifically calls for shredded parmesan cheese.
Can I use homemade Caesar dressing?
Yes, although commercial dressing is listed, a homemade version would work perfectly.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, as written, the ingredients are vegetarian, assuming the cheese and dressing meet your dietary standards.
How many cups of cherry tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a mix of soft, cheese-filled pasta and the crunch of fresh cucumber and romaine lettuce.