Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish featuring tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, vibrant vegetables, and a delicious basil pesto dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick weeknight meal, this pasta salad brings big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad because it’s incredibly simple to prepare and delivers bold, fresh flavors. The combination of tender tortellini and zesty pesto makes this dish hearty enough to serve as a main course or a side. Plus, it can be made ahead and easily customized to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
• Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
3. In a small bowl, mix the basil pesto with a little olive oil and lemon juice to loosen it up.
4. Pour the pesto mixture over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with grated Parmesan if desired.
7. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad serves about 6-8 people as a side dish.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 7 minutes
Total time: 17 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salami for extra protein.
• Swap mozzarella for crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan.
• Include roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
• Use a spinach or arugula pesto instead of traditional basil pesto.
• Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for some greens.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If it thickens after refrigeration, toss with a little more olive oil or a spoonful of pesto to refresh it. Reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

Can I make pesto tortellini pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a few hours ahead. Add a little extra olive oil before serving if needed.

What tortellini should I use?

Cheese-stuffed tortellini is classic, but spinach or meat-stuffed tortellini also work well.

Can I use homemade pesto?

Absolutely, homemade pesto gives a fresher, richer flavor.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

Rinse the tortellini under cold water after cooking and toss with a little olive oil.

Can I add vegetables to this salad?

Yes, diced zucchini, roasted peppers, and spinach are all excellent additions.

Is this pasta salad vegetarian?

Yes, if you use cheese tortellini and pesto without Parmesan made with animal rennet.

How long can it sit out?

It can safely sit out for about 2 hours at room temperature.

What can I substitute for pesto?

A vinaigrette or a light Italian dressing can be used if you prefer a different flavor.

Can I freeze pesto tortellini pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the tortellini and the fresh vegetables may change.

How do I freshen up leftovers?

Toss with a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Conclusion

Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender tortellini, fresh veggies, and a bright pesto dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal.

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