Description
For the Salad:
12 oz cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank), cooked to preference and sliced
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
½ cup croutons
For the Caesar Dressing:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing until smooth. Set aside.
Season the steak with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear to your desired doneness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Top with the sliced steak and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-6 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or to your desired doneness. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for a full 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled, cooked tortellini, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and croutons.
4. Combine and Serve: Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad base. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. Arrange the sliced steak on top and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty salad is a complete meal on its own. For a restaurant-style presentation, divide the tossed salad among four plates before artfully fanning the steak slices on top. Serve with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a warm breadstick to soak up any extra dressing. For a lighter accompaniment, a glass of crisp Chardonnay or a chilled sparkling water with lemon complements the rich flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth. Cook and rest steak, then slice. Combine pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and croutons in a bowl. Toss with dressing, top with steak, and serve immediately for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? For best results, prepare components separately. Keep dressing, cooked tortellini, and sliced steak in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
What’s the best substitute for steak? Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas make excellent protein alternatives. For a vegetarian version, add marinated artichoke hearts or grilled portobello mushrooms.
Can I use a store-bought Caesar dressing? Yes, for convenience. However, the homemade dressing is quick, more flavorful, and allows you to control the ingredients. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand.
How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting? Ensure the cooked tortellini is completely cooled before adding it to the lettuce. Toss the salad with dressing immediately before serving.
Is there a way to lighten up this recipe? Use whole-wheat or high-protein tortellini, a lean cut like sirloin, and substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the dressing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding hot ingredients to the salad: Allowing the steak and tortellini to cool prevents wilting the lettuce and melting the cheese.
- Skipping the steak rest: Resting the steak ensures juicy, tender slices instead of losing all the juices onto the salad.
- Over-dressing the salad: Start with half the dressing, toss, and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan: Freshly shaved Parmesan has superior flavor and texture compared to the dry, pre-grated kind.
Conclusion
This Steak and Tortellini Caesar Salad is a powerhouse meal that expertly blends classic flavors with hearty, satisfying ingredients. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and create a restaurant-quality dish at home in about 20 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests. Remember, the keys to success are in the preparation of each component and the final, timely assembly. Enjoy your delicious creation!