Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors. Cheese tortellini is tossed with vibrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and crunchy pine nuts for a refreshing and satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect for warm weather meals. It’s easy to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and delicious served cold for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, lunches, or simple family dinners. Every bite is creamy, herby, and bursting with flavor.

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is filled with cheese tortellini, basil pesto, mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Pasta Salad
• 20 oz cheese tortellini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• For the Pesto Dressing
• 3/4 cup basil pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until tender.
2. Drain the tortellini and rinse lightly with cool water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
3. Let the tortellini drain completely while preparing the remaining ingredients.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and parmesan cheese until smooth and combined.
5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and pine nuts.
6. Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional black pepper or parmesan cheese.
8. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
9. Garnish with extra basil, parmesan cheese, or pine nuts before serving if desired.

Notes

• Cheese tortellini creates a hearty and flavorful pasta salad.
• Cooling the tortellini prevents the pesto from becoming oily.
• Fresh basil gives the salad bright fresh flavor.
• Mozzarella pearls add creamy texture to every bite.
• Pine nuts add delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
• Refrigerating before serving helps the flavors blend together.
• High-quality pesto makes a big difference in flavor.

Variations

• Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Use spinach tortellini for more color and flavor.
• Add roasted red peppers for sweetness.
• Mix in baby spinach or arugula.
• Replace pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.
• Add sliced black olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Serve at BBQs, cookouts, or potlucks.
• Pair with grilled chicken or steak.
• Serve alongside soup or sandwiches.
• Add extra parmesan cheese before serving.
• Enjoy as a meal prep lunch during the week.

Tips

• Do not overcook the tortellini or it may become too soft.
• Toss the salad gently to keep the tortellini intact.
• Chill before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Add extra pesto if the pasta absorbs too much dressing.
• Toast pine nuts lightly for deeper flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the pesto flavor beautifully.

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings

Serves: 6 people

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 420 per serving
Protein: 14g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 540mg

FAQs

Can I make Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is excellent for making ahead because the flavors continue to blend together while chilling in the refrigerator. It can be prepared several hours in advance or even the night before serving. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, simply stir in a little extra pesto before serving.

What type of pesto works best for this recipe?
Classic basil pesto works best because it provides fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese tortellini and mozzarella. Homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor, but a high-quality store-bought pesto also works very well for quick preparation.

Can I serve Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad warm?
Yes, this recipe can be served slightly warm, room temperature, or chilled. However, it is most commonly served cold because the flavors become more refreshing and balanced after chilling. Cold tortellini also helps the pesto coat the pasta more evenly.

How long does Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, the pasta salad stays fresh for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator. The tortellini may absorb some dressing over time, so tossing the salad with a little extra pesto or olive oil before serving helps refresh the texture.

Can I add protein to this pasta salad?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, salami, or even chickpeas work very well in this recipe. Adding protein transforms the pasta salad into a complete and filling meal that works perfectly for lunches or easy dinners.

Conclusion

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is creamy, fresh, colorful, and packed with vibrant basil flavor in every bite. With tender cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and rich pesto dressing, this easy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, meal prep, and summer dinners. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite.