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Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is filled with cheese tortellini, basil pesto, mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 420

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.