Tortellini Caesar Salad – Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Cheese Tortellini & Creamy Caesar Dressing
Tortellini Caesar Salad is the ultimate chilled pasta salad for busy days, summer potlucks, or protein-packed lunches. Made with cheesy tortellini, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing, this quick and easy dish delivers all the comfort of a classic Caesar with the heartiness of pasta. Customize it with grilled chicken, veggies, or a light dressing and enjoy a flavor-forward salad that stores beautifully and comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 9 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ⅓ cup Caesar dressing store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon zest croutons, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the TortelliniBoil the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly. Set aside.
- Step 2: Prep the RomaineWash, dry, and chop your romaine lettuce. I like to keep the pieces bite-sized for easy tossing and eating.
- Step 3: Toss and ChillIn a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Toss gently until coated. Fold in romaine last, or keep it separate until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Serve and EnjoyTop with extra cheese or croutons if desired. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving if prepping ahead.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Tortellini Caesar Salad
- Use refrigerated or fresh cheese tortellini for the best texture: Fresh or chilled tortellini holds up better in cold pasta salad recipes than frozen ones, especially when tossed with creamy Caesar dressing. It keeps everything tender yet firm, never mushy.
- Rinse tortellini in cold water right after cooking: This stops the cooking process instantly and helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft. It also makes this Caesar pasta salad refreshingly chilled and ideal for summer or meal prep lunches.
- Toss tortellini with a little olive oil before the dressing: A light coat of oil keeps the pasta from sticking and helps the Caesar dressing coat everything evenly without getting too heavy.
- Add chopped romaine just before serving: For that classic Caesar crunch, don’t mix in the lettuce too early—wait until right before serving to keep the romaine crisp and fresh.
- Shave your own parmesan for big flavor: Freshly shaved or shredded parmesan gives this cheesy Caesar salad a sharp, nutty edge that perfectly balances the creamy pasta and dressing.
- Sprinkle with seasoned crouton crumbs for crunch: Instead of full croutons, crush and sprinkle them over the top. They bring the perfect crisp texture without overpowering the tender tortellini.
- Customize with grilled chicken or crispy bacon: To turn this into a high-protein pasta salad, toss in sliced grilled chicken or smoky bacon crumbles—great for meal prep, potlucks, or dinner salads with staying power.