Unfortunately for LG, I like pasta salads, especially when it’s hot outside and I can add meat because…carnivore here. I normally use “garden” rotini and add grilled chicken but this dish makes for a tasty change of pace. And yes, I’m a fan of plain ol’ Caesar salad, too. With grilled chicken or shrimp, of course.  Anyway, this is an easy variation with some awesome flavors. As I’m allergic to tomatoes, I leave those out. Your mileage may vary.

Total Time: 1 Hr. 15 Min.
Prep Time: 15 Min.
Cook Time: 1 Hr.
Servings: 6 (1 cup each) (this usually comes to to servings with leftovers for me!)

Thanks to refrigerated cheese pasta, this Caesar Tortellini Salad couldn’t be quicker (or easier) to make. Sprinkle with Parmesan and enjoy!

What You Need
1 pkg. (9 oz.) refrigerated cheese tortellini, cooked, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup KRAFT Classic Caesar Dressing
2 plum tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
1 can (6 oz.) pitted black olives, drained
1/2 cup sliced red onions, separated into rings
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese

Let’s Make It
1 – Toss all ingredients except cheese in large bowl; cover.
2 – Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
3 – Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.

Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Size Wise: Keep an eye on portion size when you enjoy this rich salad!

Tip 2 – Substitute: Substitute 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced, for the olives.

Tip 3 – Variation: Chicken Caesar Tortellini Salad – Add 2 grilled or broiled boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips, to salad before refrigerating.

My Tips – You can use creamy Caesar dressing which is a nice change. Also croutons and/or bacon bits for a bit of crunch. And, as above, no tomatoes for me! Also, I use John Soules brand precooked and sliced chicken breats. And to really add MEAT, I’ve been known to use Soules brand beef fajita meat. Note: I always heat the meat in a skillet sprayed with butter flavored nonstick cooking spray because I’m weird and “processed” meat should be warmed up, even if it’s only lukewarm when served.

In our regular Tuesday drill, CLICK for all the details. Living though a muggy Oklahoma summer means I’m always on the lookout for easy, non-oven meals that are filling and cool to eat. I’m not the only one. Since her significant other, Duke Reagan, is based out of Key West, Dr. Cory Prince also appreciates cool recipes that are easy and filling and something her manly-man, Hard Target team leader Duke will eat. Duke is not just a former SEAL and the team is made up of men out of the ordinary. They met when Duke’s SEAL Team Atlantis was sent to Africa to rescue the kidnapped doctor. You can read their story in DOUBLE CROSS (Hard Target #1). Grab a copy by clicking on either pic with the cover or the title. You’ll pop over to Books2Read to find your favorite online bookstore. It’s also available in paperback from Amazon.

What about y’all? Do you enjoy hearty salads as the whole meal in the summer? And would you like to visit Key West? 🙋🏼‍♀️