Delicious Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto: Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto is an irresistible dish that combines the creamy richness of pesto with the bite-sized goodness of cheese-filled tortellini. This salad is a flavorful, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, this salad is sure to please everyone. The combination of fresh basil pesto, tortellini, and crisp vegetables creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to prepare Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto in simple steps. Plus, we’ll offer some variations, helpful tips, and serving suggestions to make this dish even more delicious.
Recipe Preparation Equipment
Before you begin, make sure you have the following equipment:
A large pot for boiling the tortellini
A colander for draining the pasta
A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
A large mixing bowl to combine the salad
A spoon or spatula for mixing
A small bowl for preparing the pesto dressing
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto:
12 oz (340g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
For homemade pesto (optional):
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto?
Step 1: Boil the tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-4 minutes for fresh tortellini. If using frozen, it may take a bit longer. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables
While the tortellini is cooking, wash and chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives. Set them aside.
Step 3: Make the pesto dressing
If you’re making your own pesto, place the fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil while blending until a smooth paste forms. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
If using store-bought pesto, simply measure out 1/2 cup of pesto sauce.
Step 4: Combine the pasta and vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, chopped vegetables, and fresh basil. Pour the pesto dressing over the ingredients and gently toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Variations
Add protein: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make the salad heartier.
Roasted vegetables: Try adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for an extra flavor boost.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free pesto and skip the Parmesan cheese for a fully vegan option.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.
Cooking Note
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto can be made ahead of time. If you’re preparing it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the pesto dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto is a versatile dish that pairs well with:
Grilled vegetables or skewers
Vegan or regular cheese pizza
Garlic bread or crusty bread
A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Helpful Tips
Don’t overcook the tortellini: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Cool the pasta before mixing: Allow the tortellini to cool completely before tossing it with the pesto to prevent the sauce from becoming oily.
Adjust the pesto to taste: If you like a more intense pesto flavor, add more pesto or a drizzle of olive oil to taste.
Chill for enhanced flavors: For the best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate in the dressing.
Tips for the Best Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto
Fresh basil is key to a great pesto. Make sure you’re using high-quality basil leaves for the best flavor.
Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the pesto to get the best taste.
If you want a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the dressing before mixing it with the pasta.
For an extra indulgent salad, you can add a few cubes of vegan or regular mozzarella cheese.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free tortellini?
Yes, gluten-free tortellini works perfectly for this recipe. You can find gluten-free pasta options in most grocery stores.
2. Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, pesto can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze pesto for longer storage.
3. How can I add more flavor to the pesto?
Try adding more garlic, roasted nuts (like cashews), or a splash of lemon juice to the pesto for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the creamy goodness of pesto with the satisfying bite of tortellini. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a dish to impress your guests, this pasta salad offers a perfect balance of flavors. With fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and a zesty pesto dressing, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Make it your own with different variations, and enjoy this fresh, healthy, and vibrant salad!
