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You are here: Home / Recipes / Salad

Pesto Tortellini Recipe

📋 Modified: Feb 10, 2025 Published: Jun 30, 2024 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This Pesto Tortellini Recipe is a quick, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Cheese-filled tortellini is tossed in a rich, garlicky basil pesto and finished with cherry tomatoes and parmesan for a fresh, vibrant dish.

Need pairing ideas? Try this with our Prosciutto Caprese Sandwich for lunch, or serve it with this Balsamic Caprese Chicken and crusty bread for an easy, satisfying dinner.

Quick and easy pesto tortellini hero image close up

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This Pesto Tortellini Recipe 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.

If you love this recipe, try our Quick and Easy Casarecce Pasta with Pesto, Zesty Italian Pasta Salad or our Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe with Pesto.

Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Pesto Tortellini Recipe Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make this Pesto Tortellini Recipe
  • Storage
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy families.
  • 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—just like our Charcuterie Skewers, which are perfect for entertaining.

Pesto Tortellini Recipe Ingredients

Quick and easy pesto tortellini salad ingredients shot
  • Cheese Tortellini: Look for refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture and flavor. If you're a fan of this ingredient, try our Tortellini Alfredo with Shrimp or our Marry Me Tortellini!
  • 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.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

  • 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 to Make this Pesto Tortellini Recipe

quick and easy pesto tortellini salad process shot 1 boiling water

STEP ONE: Cook the Tortellini

Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool.

quick and easy pesto tortellini salad process shot 2 adding pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella

STEP TWO: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and mini mozzarella balls.

quick and easy pesto tortellini salad process shot 2 adding basil and parmesan

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.

quick and easy pesto tortellini salad process shot 4 close up mixed

STEP FOUR: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste (optional). Serve immediately or refrigerate for one hour to let the flavors develop.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is not freezer-friendly.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Pesto Tortellini Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

What can I substitute for mini mozzarella balls?

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.

Is Pesto Tortellini Salad served warm or cold?

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.

quick and easy pesto tortellini salad feature image close up.

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Did You Like This Pesto Tortellini Recipe?

  • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think this pesto pasta recipe is amazing!

📖 Recipe

quick and easy pesto tortellini salad feature image close up.

Pesto Tortellini Recipe

Jami Powell
This Pesto Tortellini Recipe is a quick, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Cheese-filled tortellini is tossed in a rich, garlicky basil pesto and finished with cherry tomatoes and parmesan for a fresh, vibrant dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Lunch, Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 424 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

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.

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Notes

Storage Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze This dish is not freezer-friendly.
Reheat  There is no reheating required.
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.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.
Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition

Calories: 424kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 20gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 466mgPotassium: 159mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 969IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 418mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

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