introduction

This Tortellini Pesto Salad is fast, bright, and easy. It mixes cheese tortellini with fresh pesto and cherry tomatoes for a light meal or side. If you like quick salads, try the 10-minute Mediterranean chickpea salad for more simple ideas.

why make this recipe

You can make it fast and with few ingredients. It does not need cooking skills beyond boiling pasta. It works for lunches, picnics, potlucks, or quick dinners. It stays good chilled and tastes great the next day.

how to make Tortellini Pesto Salad

Follow these easy steps to put the salad together.

Ingredients :

2 cups tortellini
1 cup pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions :

Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pesto, and cherry tomatoes.
Toss gently to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

If you want a crunchy side with this salad, you might also like the simple Asian cucumber salad.

how to serve Tortellini Pesto Salad

Serve this salad cold or at room temperature. Add extra grated Parmesan on top. Put fresh basil leaves over the salad for color and aroma. It pairs well with grilled chicken or a green salad.

how to store Tortellini Pesto Salad

Put leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. Do not freeze, as the texture will change.

tips to make Tortellini Pesto Salad

Cool the tortellini completely before mixing so the pesto keeps its flavor.
Use good-quality pesto for best taste.
Add a splash of olive oil if the salad feels dry.
For extra protein, add cooked chicken or white beans.
For another creamy salad idea, check the avocado egg salad with chicken and bacon.

variation (if any)

Use sun-dried tomato pesto or add olives for a different flavor.
Swap cherry tomatoes for halved grape tomatoes or diced roasted red peppers.
Add baby spinach or arugula for more greens.
Mix in small mozzarella balls for extra cheesiness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes. Cook frozen tortellini as the package says, then cool before mixing.

Q: How long will the salad last in the fridge?
A: It will stay fresh for about 3 days in a sealed container.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours ahead and keep chilled until serving.

Q: Is store-bought pesto okay?
A: Yes. Good store-bought pesto works well and saves time.

Conclusion

For another easy pesto tortellini idea and extra serving tips, see the Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad – Baker by Nature.

Tortellini Pesto Salad

Author: kaoucheegmail-com
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fast and easy salad featuring cheese tortellini, fresh pesto, and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for lunches, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups tortellini
1 cup pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pesto, and cherry tomatoes.
Toss gently to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Cool the tortellini completely before mixing so the pesto keeps its flavor. Use good-quality pesto for the best taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: tortellini, salad, pesto, quick meal, vegetarian recipe