Description
This Cheese Tortellini Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a fresh, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for quick weeknight meals, potlucks, or easy lunches that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Salad Base
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup croutons
Dressing and Toppings
- 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking and keep the pasta tender.
- Prepare the Romaine and Veggies: While the tortellini cooks, wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled tortellini with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the creamy Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper on top, then add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan or croutons, then serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook tortellini to maintain a firm texture.
- Use fresh romaine lettuce for a crisp crunch.
- Add Caesar dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Chill tortellini and vegetables beforehand for a refreshing salad.
- Homemade Caesar dressing enhances flavor and lets you control ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: tortellini salad, Caesar pasta salad, cheese tortellini, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, meal prep pasta salad