When you need a meal that’s both quick and delicious, look no further than this Quick and Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad. This dish combines the awesome flavors of basil pesto, tender tortellini, and fresh ingredients to create a refreshing and filling salad that’s perfect for busy weekdays.
Pesto Tortellini Salad combines the rich taste of pesto with tender cheese tortellini, fresh cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls. This salad can be served warm or cold, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. Originating from Italian cuisine, pesto tortellini salad has become a family favorite in many homes.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy families.
- Healthy and Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as a main dish or a side for any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners and gatherings.
If you like this Pasta Salad recipe, you may also love our Quick and Easy Casarecce Pasta with Pesto or our Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe with Pesto.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- How to Make Quick and Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Related
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Cheese Tortellini: Look for refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
- Pesto Sauce: Use homemade pesto for a fresh taste.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add whole for bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Mini Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): These creamy cheese balls complement the other ingredients perfectly.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chop these for added flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds additional cheesy flavor.
- Optional Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a crunch to the salad.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Quick and Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad
STEP ONE: Cook the Tortellini
Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool.
STEP TWO: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and mini mozzarella balls.
STEP THREE: Add the Extras
Add the chopped basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional toasted pine nuts. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
STEP FOUR: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste (optional). Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Cheese Tortellini: Substitute with spinach tortellini.
- Pesto Sauce: Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Swap with sun-dried tomatoes or diced red bell peppers.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: Use gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free version.
- Flavor: Add kalamata olives for extra flavor or red onion for a crunch.
- Kid-Friendly: Include small pieces of grilled chicken for added protein and kid appeal.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
How Should You Store This?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This dish is not freezer-friendly.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For the best flavor, let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover pesto as a spread for this Prosciutto Caprese Sandwich.
- Toss the remaining cherry tomatoes into this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
- Add mini mozzarella balls to Charcuterie Skewers.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a satisfying side.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Easy and Healthy Spring Mix Salad (Caprese Style)
- Burrata Caprese with Heirloom Tomatoes
- Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
- Greek Orzo Salad
Related
More Italian recipes you will love:
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
If you don't have mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), you can use cubed regular mozzarella, feta cheese, or even small pieces of fresh goat cheese.
Pesto Tortellini Salad can be served either warm or cold, depending on your preference. It's delicious both ways and makes a great dish for any meal.
📖 Recipe
Quick and Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 20 ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ½ cup basil pesto sauce
- 6-8 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 12 ounces fresh marinated mozzarella drained
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional) toasted
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and mini mozzarella balls.
- Add the chopped basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional toasted pine nuts. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
Notes
- Cheese Tortellini: Substitute with spinach tortellini.
- Pesto Sauce: Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Swap with sun-dried tomatoes or diced red bell peppers.
Nutrition
This Quick and Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad is a flavorful dish that fits perfectly into busy family life, or simply enjoying a healthy meal.
Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results and explore our other related recipes on the blog!
Important Food Safety Tips
Always refrigerate the salad promptly and do not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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