Grilled Chicken and Tortellini Caesar

    • Makes4 servings
Grilled Chicken and Tortellini Caesar

Photo: Flickr

If you want to make a meatless version of this chicken and tortellini salad caesar salad, just axe the chicken and double the tortellini.

Ingredients

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

  • 1 tsp garlic salt

  • 1 250-g pkg fresh cheese tortellini, (uncooked)

  • 2 tomatoes, cut into 1/2-in. cubes

  • 1 medium cucumber, cut into 1/2-in. cubes

  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion, (optional)

  • 1/4 cup black or green olives, sliced and pitted (optional)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

  • 1/2 cup olive oil, or vegetable oil

  • 1/4 cup vinegar

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 garlic clove, (or more), squished

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp canned anchovies, minced (optional)

  • salt, to taste

  • black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Early in the day, or even the night before, combine the chicken breasts with the 2 tbsp. (30mL) olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic salt. Refrigerate until about two hours before you plan to eat. Then drain and grill on the barbecue over medium heat, until cooked through -turning them over at least once, and brushing with the marinade halfway through. If you don't have a barbecue, you can broil the chicken on a rack in the oven, or even quickly fry it over medium heat on a lightly greased skillet on the stove. Refrigerate until cool.

  • Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain again thoroughly. Dump into a large bowl.

  • Cut up the tomatoes, cucumber, olives and onion and add them to the tortellini, along with the chicken (cut into ½ in./1cm cubes). Call your helper and have her toss it all again. Even a younger child can be gainfully employed to do this deceptively simple and critical task.

  • In a jar with a screw-on lid, combine all the dressing ingredients and shake until thoroughly mixed. Toss the salad with the dressing -adding just a bit at a time, until it's dressed to your taste. (Any leftover dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days).

  • Sprinkle the salad with the Parmesan cheese, toss and serve immediately. If you want to hold the salad for a couple of hours (to take to a picnic or something), keep the dressing separate (and chilled), and add it just before serving.

This article was originally published on Aug 01, 1998
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