This Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad is everything you need for a fresh, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, preparing a light dinner, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this salad is your go-to recipe. With a creamy pesto dressing and tender tortellini, it’s got that perfect balance of savory goodness that’s sure to please everyone. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the moments it creates. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or hosting a get-together, this salad works for every occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
This pasta salad is perfect for any time of year. It’s delicious served cold for summer barbecues, and it’s also comforting enough to enjoy in the cooler months.
Budget-Friendly
Packed with simple ingredients, this salad is easy on the wallet but still delivers big flavor. A great way to make a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
With only a few steps, you can have this dish ready in no time. Whether you’re meal prepping or need something fast for dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Customizable
Love adding extra veggies? Want to throw in some grilled chicken or shrimp? This salad is a blank canvas for whatever additions you love.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this salad—it’s made with a few key ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Tortellini
The star of the show! The soft, chewy tortellini adds just the right texture and bite to this pasta salad. Whether you go for cheese or meat-filled, tortellini takes the dish to the next level.
Pesto Sauce
This herbaceous, garlicky pesto is the perfect creamy dressing that ties everything together. It’s full of basil, garlic, and parmesan, with just a hint of olive oil to bring out those bold flavors.
Cherry Tomatoes
These juicy little pops of sweetness add a refreshing bite to balance out the richness of the pesto. They bring color and brightness to your dish, both in flavor and visually.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella brings creaminess and an extra burst of flavor that complements the pesto perfectly. It’s soft and pillowy, making each bite a dream.
Pine Nuts
Lightly toasted pine nuts add a crunchy texture and a bit of extra depth to the salad. They’re a nice touch that really elevates the dish.
Spinach
Fresh spinach adds a boost of color and nutrition to this salad, making it feel light and refreshing. Plus, it’s a great contrast to the creamy pesto sauce.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be for cooking your tortellini, so make sure it’s nice and hot before you add them.
Cook the Tortellini
Add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes until they float to the top. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine your pesto sauce with a little olive oil and lemon juice. This will help thin it out and give it an extra burst of freshness.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss your cooked tortellini with the pesto dressing until everything is coated evenly. Add in the spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. Gently toss everything together, making sure each ingredient is mixed well.
Add Pine Nuts
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top of the salad for that perfect crunch. If you want, add a little extra parmesan cheese to the top for an extra touch of flavor.
Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4-6 Calories per serving: 350-400
(Note: these are approximate values and may vary based on ingredient choices.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 3 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Pair with a light green salad or crispy garlic bread to complete the meal.
- For a Mediterranean twist, top with olives or roasted bell peppers.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- To add a little more protein, you can throw in some grilled chicken or even sliced sausage.
- If you prefer a richer pesto flavor, feel free to add an extra spoonful of pesto to the dressing.
- Keep the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a make-ahead dish for events.
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe! Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours will let the flavors develop even more.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? While tortellini is the best option for this salad, you can swap it for any short pasta like fusilli or farfalle.
- How long will this pasta salad last? It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. After that, the pesto might lose its vibrant flavor.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! Simply use a dairy-free pesto and swap out the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Is there a substitute for pine nuts? If you don’t have pine nuts, you can use chopped almonds or walnuts for a similar crunch.
- Can I add other veggies? Of course! Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even olives would be great additions.
- Can I serve this dish warm? While this salad is best served cold, you can warm it up if you prefer. Just be sure to not overheat it.
- Is there a vegan version of this recipe? Yes, just use a vegan pesto and skip the cheese, or opt for a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Can I freeze this salad? Freezing is not recommended due to the pesto and mozzarella, but it’s great for keeping in the fridge for a few days.
Conclusion
Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad is your new go-to dish for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, fresh flavors, and easy prep, it’s bound to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead—try it out and let the flavors take you to a new level of delicious!
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Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad made with tortellini, pesto sauce, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz tortellini (cheese or your choice)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked tortellini with pesto sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, red onion, and olives to the bowl and mix gently.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour before serving to let the flavors blend.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can mix in a little mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or veggies for extra protein and flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg