Looking for a pasta salad that’s vibrant, flavorful, and easy to throw together? Look no further than this Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad! Imagine perfectly cooked tortellini nestled in a rich, garlicky pesto sauce, with fresh veggies adding crunch and color. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, but with a burst of zesty flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a picnic, a family gathering, or just a light weeknight dinner, this salad checks all the boxes – quick, tasty, and downright irresistible. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about the flavor, the texture, and how it brings everything together. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite dish:

Versatile: You can switch up the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Swap in some roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some olives for extra flavor.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this salad a star. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels like a treat.

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish for when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.

Customizable: Add protein if you like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be tossed in to make it heartier.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for a potluck or a family dinner, this salad is always a hit. It’s light yet filling and has that perfect balance of savory, fresh, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad

This salad comes together with just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor:

Tortellini: The star of the show! Use cheese-filled tortellini for that pillowy goodness. You can also go for spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini to mix things up.

Pesto: Fresh basil pesto is what brings this salad to life! It’s loaded with garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan, making it the perfect coating for the pasta.

Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness and add a pop of color to the salad.

Cucumbers: The cucumbers add a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft tortellini and rich pesto.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that ties everything together.

Olive Oil: A little extra olive oil to toss the salad and help coat everything in that lovely pesto sauce.

Fresh Basil: A few fresh basil leaves to garnish and enhance the herby flavor of the pesto.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad:

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Once they float to the top, they’re done! Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.

Prepare the Veggies: While the tortellini is cooking, slice the cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Pesto Sauce: If you’re using store-bought pesto, simply measure out the amount you need. If you’re making homemade pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.

Toss the Salad: Add the cooled tortellini to the veggies in the mixing bowl. Pour in the pesto and toss everything gently to coat the pasta and veggies with that delicious sauce.

Add the Finishing Touches: Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top if needed, then sprinkle with fresh parmesan and basil leaves for that extra burst of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for an even more refreshing taste. Either way, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings

Calories per serving: 350

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad

This salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

Serve it as a light lunch or dinner, with a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra pesto sauce.

Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

For a refreshing summer meal, enjoy it with a chilled glass of white wine or lemonade. It’s the perfect balance of savory and refreshing.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad turns out perfectly:

If you prefer a creamier pesto sauce, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for an extra rich texture.

Feel free to experiment with the veggies – roasted bell peppers or zucchini would be great additions!

To save time, make the pesto in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

For a little extra crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds right before serving.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this salad a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving to recoat the pasta.

2. Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well! Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.

3. Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions to make this salad more filling.

4. Can I make my own pesto?

Yes! Homemade pesto tastes amazing and is super easy to make. Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil until smooth.

5. Can I substitute the pesto with something else?

If you don’t have pesto, try using a balsamic glaze or a creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar as an alternative.

6. How long will this salad last?

This salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container to preserve its flavor.

7. Can I add different vegetables to this salad?

Yes! Roasted bell peppers, arugula, or olives would all make great additions for extra flavor and texture.

8. How can I make this salad spicier?

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the pesto or toss in some sliced jalapeños for a kick.

9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free pesto and substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast or another dairy-free cheese alternative.

10. Can I use another type of pasta?

Sure! You can swap the tortellini for other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions.

Conclusion

Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. With creamy pesto, fresh veggies, and tender tortellini, this salad brings together all the best flavors in one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a light and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Go ahead and give it a try I promise it’ll be your new favorite pasta salad!

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