Grilled Chicken and Tortellini Caesar

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Makes

4 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.
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