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Our Pesto Tortellini Salad is my go-to recipe when I need a quick and easy summer dinner recipe or potluck dish.
Featuring tender tortellini, fresh basil pesto, juicy grape tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls, this salad is a must-try for any pasta lover.
And with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze and fresh basil for garnish, it’s a feast for both the senses and the taste buds.
If you loved our Baked Pesto Chicken, then you’ll love this recipe. It uses the same Easy Pesto Recipe. This Tortellini Pasta Salad is the latest edition to our Pesto Recipes Collection. If you liked our Tortellini Skillet Lasagna, I think you’ll love this.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavors of summer in every bite! Plus, with our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in no time.
Table of Contents
Taste and Texture
This Pesto Tortellini is bursting with flavor! Imagine biting into tender tortellini coated in fragrant pesto, with juicy grape tomatoes and creamy mozzarella pearls in every forkful. And just when you think it can’t get any better, you get a burst of tangy balsamic glaze and the freshness of basil leaves to take it over the top.
It’s a party of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. So whether you’re a pasta lover, a pesto fan, or just someone who appreciates good food, you’re bound to fall head over heels for this Pesto Tortellini Salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Taste & Texture – The combination of tender tortellini, savory pesto, juicy grape tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls is irresistible.
Crowd Pleaser – This flavorful pasta salad is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Leftovers – The leftovers, if you have any, make a fantastic lunch the next day!
Customizable – It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Summer recipe – It’s a fun and festive dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or picnics.
What’s Needed?
Equipment
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What's in Pesto Tortellini Salad
Ingredients
Below, I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions if you don't have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.
- Cheese Tortellini – Provides a hearty, filling base for the salad and adds a delicious texture to each bite. I recommend using refrigerated cheese tortellini, but dry works as well.
- Pesto – Infuses the salad with a rich, savory flavor and brings out the earthy notes of the pasta. I highly recommend using homemade pesto for maximum flavor.
- Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes – Adds a burst of juicy sweetness to the salad and provides a beautiful pop of color.
- Mozzarella pearls – Fresh mozzarella balls bring a creamy, mild flavor to the salad and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Fresh basil – Provides a bright, herbaceous note to the salad and adds a beautiful finishing touch.
- Balsamic glaze – Balances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a tangy, slightly sweet note to the dish. Look for balsamic glaze in your local grocery store near the balsamic vinegar.
How to Make this Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Prep: Gather all of your ingredients (Photo 1)
- Cook: Boil the tortellini per package directions, drain, & rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. (Photo 2)
- Add Ingredients: Add drained Tortellini, Pesto, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella Pearls to a large bowl. (Photos 3-5)
- Mix: Toss ingredients together in a large bowl to combine. (Photos 6 – 8)
- Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (Photo 9)
- Serve: Immediately or chill until ready to eat. (Photo 9)
Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. The combination of pasta, pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella is a classic one that never gets old, and the addition of fresh basil and balsamic glaze takes it to a whole new level.
Other Mix-In Ideas
Here are some mix-in ideas I think you'll like:
- Red onions: Thinly sliced red onions add a sweet and slightly pungent flavor to this Pesto Tortellini Salad recipe. They also add some crunch and texture to the salad, which can provide a satisfying contrast to the soft and chewy tortellini and mozzarella pearls.
- Red bell pepper: Red bell peppers have a slightly sweet and mild flavor, and their firm texture adds some satisfying crunchiness to the salad.
- Artichoke hearts: Artichoke hearts have a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, and their firm texture adds some satisfying chewiness to the salad.
- Olives: Add a salty and briny flavor by mixing in some sliced or chopped olives. Kalamata, green, or black olives are all great options.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Add some sweetness and tanginess by mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes. They also add some vibrant color to the salad.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp: Add some protein by mixing in some grilled chicken or shrimp. They also add some smoky and savory flavor that pairs well with the pesto.
- Arugula or spinach: Add some freshness and extra green by mixing in some arugula or spinach. They also add some extra vitamins and nutrients to the salad.
- Feta cheese: Add some tanginess and saltiness by mixing in some crumbled feta cheese. It pairs well with the pesto and adds some creamy texture to the salad.
How to Serve Pesto Tortellini Salad
This Pesto Tortellini Salad recipe has a variety of uses and can be enjoyed in different ways.
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner for a filling and protein-packed meal.
- Alternatively, this recipe makes a wonderful side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables, adding some fresh and green flavors to any meal.
- This pasta salad is also great for potlucks or picnics as it can be easily transported and served at room temperature.
- Moreover, it is perfect for meal prep, allowing for a quick and easy option for busy weekdays or for packing a healthy lunch to work.
- Finally, this recipe can be customized to be vegetarian, providing a satisfying and flavorful option for those who don’t eat meat.
What To Serve With Pesto Tortellini Salad
- Chopped Vegetable Salad
- Marinated Green Bean Salad
- Italian Breadsticks
- Baked BBQ Chicken
- BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Recipe Variations
These are just a few ideas but feel free to get creative and experiment with your own variations. Share your creations with me in the comments and on social media. I love to see what you're cooking!!
- Chicken Pesto Tortellini Salad – Add some cooked and shredded chicken to the salad for an extra boost of protein and heartiness.
- Spinach Pesto Tortellini Salad – Add some fresh spinach leaves to the salad for an extra pop of green and some extra nutrition.
- Mediterranean Pesto Tortellini Salad – Add some kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese to the salad for a Mediterranean twist.
- Vegan Pesto Tortellini Salad – Use vegan tortellini and pesto, omit the mozzarella pearls, and add some roasted chickpeas or tofu for a satisfying plant-based meal.
- Shrimp Pesto Tortellini Salad – Add some cooked and peeled shrimp to the salad for a seafood twist!
FAQ’s
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes, you can use frozen tortellini for this recipe. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions and drain it well before adding it to the salad.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, but it will affect the taste and texture of the recipe.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of cheese for this recipe, such as goat cheese or grated Parmesan cheese. Just make sure to adjust the amount of cheese accordingly.
Storage
To store this Pesto Tortellini Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Before refrigerating, make sure that the salad has cooled to room temperature. You can also cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to help preserve its freshness.
When storing this salad, it is important to note that the pesto may dry out over time. If you find that the salad has become too dry, you can add a small amount of olive oil or more pesto to help moisten it up.
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so you should avoid reheating it. If you’re serving it at a later time, simply take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
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Recipe
Ingredients
- 16-20 ounce cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 8 ounce mozzarella pearls
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Balsamic glaze for drizzle
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain & rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, add cooked tortellini, pesto, tomatoes, & mozzarella and gently mix to combine
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves
- Serve with balsamic glaze
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