Ingredients
- 1 (9-14 oz.) pkg. frozen cheese tortellini (I always use frozen cheese tortellini)
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise (I use low fat mayonnaise)
- 1/4 c. milk (I use low fat or fat free milk)
- 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or you can use the shredded Parmesan in the bag found in the dairy case-don't use the one in the can though-it's way too dry and salty)
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 c. torn Romaine lettuce*
- 1/3 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese**
- 1 c. seasoned croutons
- Halved grape or cherry tomatoes (optional-I use regular cut-up tomatoes when I don't have grape or cherry tomatoes-like in the salad in the picture)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, 1/4 c. Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic and pepper.
Place tortellini in a large salad bowl. Add Romaine lettuce and 1/3 c. Parmesan cheese.
Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Top with croutons and tomatoes, if desired. 10 servings.
*You can mix different kinds of lettuce if you choose. I usually serve the dressing on the side when we have it here at home so that we can enjoy the salad for a few days without it getting soggy.
**I sprinkle on the cheese as I serve it....I find it easier to control that way.
NOTE: Add some cooked sliced or cubed chicken to this and you've got yourself a main dish salad...great during the summer on those I don't want to heat up the kitchen nights.