Zesty Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe: Summertime Magic

Craving a vibrant pesto tortellini pasta salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors?

Summer’s bounty transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing culinary adventure.

Tender cheese-filled tortellini dance with bright basil pesto, creating a delightful harmony of textures.

Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables add unexpected crunch and color to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Lightweight yet satisfying, this recipe promises to become your go-to meal for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.

Each forkful offers a delicious blend of comfort and excitement.

Let’s uncover the magic of this irresistible pasta salad that will make you the star of any gathering.

What Goes Into Pesto Tortellini Salad

• Tortellini: Classic Italian filled pasta perfect for salads.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Colorful and fresh ingredients.
• Black Olives, Red Onion: Adds tangy and sharp flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Provides aromatic herb essence.
• Cucumber, Roasted Red Peppers: Optional fresh and soft vegetables.
• Pine Nuts: Provides crunchy texture.

• Pesto Sauce: Classic Italian herb and nut sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend and smooth out dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich and salty finishing touch.

How to Make Pesto Tortellini Salad

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

Gently drop in the tortellini and let them dance in the hot water until they’re perfectly cooked.

Once done, drain them and give them a quick cold shower to stop the cooking and cool them down.

Step 2: Prep Your Colorful Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes (slice them in half)
• Fresh mozzarella balls (cut in half)
• Black olives (slice them up)
• Red onion (chop it fine)
• Basil leaves (tear into small pieces)

• Cucumber (dice it up)
• Roasted red peppers (chop them)
• Pine nuts (toast lightly)

Step 3: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Cooled tortellini
• Prepped vegetables
• Optional extras

Step 4: Dress It Up

In a small bowl, mix pesto sauce with olive oil until they become best friends.

Pour this magical green dressing over your salad ingredients.

Step 5: Mix and Season

Gently fold everything together so the pesto coats every single bite.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a beautiful serving dish.

Shower some grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Let the salad chill for about 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and get to know each other.

Serve it cool or at room temperature – pure deliciousness awaits!

Quick Tips for Pesto Tortellini Salad

• Rinse tortellini with cold water immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente consistency.
• Mix pesto with olive oil before adding to the salad for more even distribution and a smoother, more integrated taste throughout the dish.
• Add fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their bright color and vibrant flavor, preventing wilting and maintaining optimal herb quality.
• Chop vegetables and prepare ingredients in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time and keep components crisp and fresh.
• Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free or plant-based versions to accommodate different dietary restrictions without compromising the salad's delicious profile.

Storing Pesto Tortellini Salad the Right Way

• Store the pesto tortellini pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Enjoy the salad directly from the refrigerator, giving it a quick stir to redistribute the pesto dressing before serving. No additional heating required for best taste and texture.
• Warm the salad gently in the microwave using short 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent uneven heating. Add a splash of olive oil to refresh the pesto if the salad seems dry.
• Discard the salad if you notice any off smells, unusual color changes, or signs of spoilage. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination.

What to Serve with Pesto Tortellini Salad

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this pesto tortellini pasta salad with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whose light, zesty notes complement the herbal pesto and creamy mozzarella perfectly.
• Elevate with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a dry, sparkling rosé that cuts through the richness of the cheese and provides a refreshing contrast with its bright, fruity undertones and delicate bubbles.
• Balance with Herb-Infused Mocktail: Create a basil-mint mocktail using fresh herbs, sparkling water, and a touch of lemon juice to mirror the salad's green pesto flavors and provide a cool, non-alcoholic alternative.
• Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread that offers a crunchy texture and garlicky warmth, which beautifully absorbs the pesto dressing and adds a satisfying side to the pasta salad.

Salad Versions with Pesto Tortellini

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or substitute with gluten-free pasta shells for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Swap mozzarella with dairy-free vegan cheese, use plant-based pesto, and add roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the pesto flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Remix: Add grilled artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap red onion for kalamata olives to create a Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad variation.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can also make homemade pesto for a fresher taste.

• Is this pasta salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! This pesto tortellini pasta salad is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure the tortellini and pesto you use do not contain meat or animal-based ingredients.

• How long can this pasta salad stay fresh?

The pasta salad can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The flavors often improve after sitting for a few hours.

• Can I substitute tortellini with another pasta?

Yes, you can use other filled pasta like ravioli or even regular cheese tortellini. Just ensure the pasta is cooked and cooled before mixing with other ingredients.

Why Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Shines

• Enjoy this recipe as a quick lunch, potluck contribution, or side dish that suits casual gatherings and sophisticated dinner parties.
• Create a vibrant, restaurant-worthy meal with simple ingredients and minimal preparation, delivering maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Easily swap or add ingredients like roasted red peppers, pine nuts, or different cheese types to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer’s secret weapon, this pesto tortellini pasta salad, blends Italian flavors with fresh ingredients. Creamy cheese-filled tortellini tossed in bright basil pesto promises a quick, delightful meal you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 package (20 ounces/567 grams) cheese tortellini
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini, halved)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
• 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
• 1/2 cup cucumber (diced, optional)
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (chopped, optional)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil tortellini in a generously salted pot of water for 4-5 minutes until tender, then immediately drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool down.
2. Prepare vegetable components by halving cherry tomatoes, slicing mozzarella, quartering black olives, and finely dicing red onion.
3. Create a vibrant base in a large mixing bowl by combining cooled tortellini with prepared tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and onion.
4. Incorporate additional elements like diced cucumber, chopped roasted red peppers, and toasted pine nuts for complexity.
5. Whisk pesto with olive oil until smooth and uniformly blended, creating a bright, herbaceous dressing.
6. Drizzle pesto mixture over salad ingredients, gently folding to ensure even coating without breaking delicate components.
7. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and develop depth.
9. Finish by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese across the top for a salty, umami finish.
10. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by letting the salad rest for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to absorb the pesto dressing and develop a richer taste profile.
• Choose fresh, high-quality tortellini for the best texture and flavor, preferably from a local deli or specialty pasta shop.
• Toast pine nuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty essence and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Customize the salad for dietary needs by using gluten-free tortellini or replacing cheese with vegan alternatives for a plant-based version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg