If you are looking for a simple pasta salad recipe, this pesto tortellini salad will be a favorite! It is so easy to make and it is the perfect summer salad side dish or you can enjoy it as a meal itself.
You'll love this pesto tortellini salad
It’s the perfect twist on your normal pasta salad. I love using tortellini instead of regular pasta, why? Because I love tortellini. Simple as that, and you'll love this easy pesto tortellini pasta salad, too!
It can be a side dish or the main dish. This is a perfect summer pasta salad recipe that can be used as a bbq side dish or it can be your main meal.
It takes under 15 minutes to make. Tortellini only takes a few minutes to cook, so this absolutely takes under 15 minutes to make. Who doesn't love a quick side salad recipe? You'll be bringing this to all your summer BBQs before you know it.
Ingredients
Tortellini - I buy ALDI's tortellini, you can find them in the fridge section! You can buy your favorite store-bought tortellini. I recommend cooking them al dente. They'll hold up better in a cold pasta salad.
Cherry Tomatoes - Summer is tomato season, and I love including them in whatever I can. You can utilize your homegrown cherry tomatoes if you have some in your garden, or store-bought is perfectly ok, too. You could also use grape tomatoes in this pesto tortellini salad recipe!
Fresh Mozzarella Balls - Yes, this is absolutely like a caprese pasta salad, so you need to add some mozzarella into the mix! I find for ease, I prefer to use mozzarella pearls so you can just plop them in the salad.
Frsh Spinach - Just to add a little crunch and just a bit more veggie, I add some chopped spinach to the mix. All I do to "chop" the spinach is pour it into a bowl and cut it with scissors. Easy peasy.
Pesto - I use ALDI's jarred pesto, between that and Trader Joe's vegan pesto, those are the only two jarred pestos I prefer. But, of course, if it is summer and your basil plant is thriving, don't be afraid to make homemade pesto!
Fresh Basil - I like to garnish with a little extra fresh basil, especially if I am using jarred pesto.
How to make pesto tortellini salad
This is seriously such an easy pasta salad recipe! It makes for the perfect side dish for all your summer parties.
- Fill a pot with about 4 quarts of water for every 9 oz. of tortellini you are making. Salt your water and bring the large pot of salted water to a boil.
- While your water is heating up, slice 1 cup of tomatoes, chop 2 handfuls of spinach, and set all your ingredients aside. You want to make an assembly line for yourself once the tortellini is done cooking.
- Your water should be boiling by now, so place your tortellini in the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Drain your tortellini and run cold water over them. This bring them down to room temperature and allow you to assemble the cold tortellini salad right away.
- In a large bowl combine all your ingredients and mix until your pesto is evenly coated.
Tip: This pasta salad is SO good the next day. Letting all the flavors sit together in the fridge overnight takes this delicious pasta salad to the next level.
How to make homemade basil pesto
If you want to make homemade pesto as opposed to using store-bought pesto, here's how!
- In a food processor, blend 2 c. basil, ½ c. olive oil, ½ c. parmesan cheese, ⅓ c. pine nuts, 2-3 garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Blend until smooth.
Tip: If you are cooking your tortellini at the same time as making this pesto sauce, I recommend adding ¼ cup of pasta water to the pesto! It makes it so creamy and delicious.
Substitutions and variations
Fresh veggies. You can add extra veggies to this pesto pasta salad like red onion, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, kalamata olives, bell peppers, green peas, or any other veggies you like!
Meat. If you want to put chopped salami or pepperoni in this Italian pasta salad, you can!
Storing leftover tortellini salad
I would recommend keeping it for 3-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container after you make it.
What to serve with pesto tortellini salad
If you want to serve this with easy weeknight dinners try air fryer chicken burgers, air fryer chicken sausages, or air fryer BBQ chicken.
FAQs
What are the different types of tortellini?
There are many types of tortellini, similar to ravioli!
What is tortellini traditionally filled with?
Tortellini is traditionally filled with ricotta cheese.
Can I eat tortellini cold?
Absolutely! You do need to cook them first, but once they are cooked, run them under cool water.
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Easy Pesto Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 9 oz. package tortellini
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 8 oz. package of mozzarella pearls
- 2 handfuls raw spinach chopped
- 1 6.7 oz. jar of pesto
Instructions
- Fill a pot with about 4 quarts of water for every 9 oz. of tortellini you are making. Salt your water and bring it to a boil.
- While your water is heating up, slice 1 cup of tomatoes, chop 2 handfuls of spinach, and set all your ingredients aside. You want to make an assembly line for yourself once the tortellini is done cooking.
- Your water should be boiling by now, so place your tortellini in the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Drain your tortellini and run cold water over them. This will allow you to assemble the cold tortellini salad right away.
- In a bowl combine all your ingredients and mix until your pesto is evenly coated.
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