When you need a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s almost effortlessly quick, look no further than Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. It’s bursting with pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and that gorgeous swirl of pesto that somehow makes everything taste even better. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a potluck, or just an easy weeknight meal, this is the pasta salad you’ll crave all year long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have a flavorful pasta salad on the table in under 15 minutes—no fuss, no waiting!
- Big, Fresh Flavors: Every bite is a delicious contrast of tangy pesto, creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and tender tortellini.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for feeding a crowd at summer parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Easily Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or protein, swap the cheese, or make it vegetarian—the Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad always shines.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of real, no-nonsense ingredients, this salad proves that you don’t need a long grocery list to create something outrageously good. Every item lends a special pop of flavor, color, or texture that makes Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad a true standout.
- Cheese tortellini: The heart of the salad—soft, cheesy pasta pockets that cook in a flash and soak up all that pesto goodness.
- Pesto: Whether you use homemade or store-bought, this herby sauce is what gives the salad its fragrant, pesto-packed punch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sliced in half, these little gems add sweetness, juiciness, and a burst of color throughout every scoop.
- Marinated mozzarella balls: They lend rich, creamy bites and their subtle marinade gives the salad a little extra flavor dimension.
- Red onion: Just a bit, diced finely, for a gentle crunch and tang that balances all the creamy and herby notes.
Variations
Part of the fun with Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is that you can truly make it your own. Don’t be shy about mixing up ingredients to accommodate what you have on hand, dietary constraints, or your latest cravings—it’s nearly impossible to go wrong!
- Add Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, toss in freshly sliced chicken breast or even rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Swap the Cheese: Not a fan of mozzarella? Use cubed feta or goat cheese for a fun twist on flavor.
- Go Veggie-Crazy: Add blanched asparagus, roasted red peppers, or baby spinach to boost color and nutrition.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free tortellini (available at many specialty grocers) to accommodate dietary needs.
How to Make Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your cheese tortellini and cook for just 1 1/2 minutes—trust me, they cook fast! You want them pillowy, not mushy, so a quick dip is all they need. Drain, then immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and keep their texture just right.
Step 2: Toss and Combine
Transfer the cooled tortellini into your favorite large salad bowl. Add the pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, marinated mozzarella balls, and diced red onion. Give everything a gentle but thorough toss—make sure every bite gets a nice coating of that lush, green pesto!
Step 3: Serve or Chill
Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is delicious served immediately, but if you want to plan ahead, just cover the bowl and set it in the fridge. The flavors meld even more, and it stays fresh for up to 3 days—a true gift for meal preppers and party planners alike.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Al Dente Alert: Set a timer and don’t walk away—the tortellini only needs a quick flash boil for the perfect bite.
- Pesto Quality Counts: Use the freshest (or best-tasting store-bought) pesto you can find for maximum herby flavor in every bite.
- Chill Before Serving: If you have time, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—the flavors get even brighter and more cohesive.
- Drain Mozzarella Well: Pat those mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel before adding, so your salad stays creamy—not watery!
How to Serve Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle the salad with extra torn fresh basil, a handful of toasted pine nuts, or even a light dusting of grated parmesan. Each adds a little something special, taking Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad from delicious to show-stopping.
Side Dishes
This salad is happily the star of the show, but it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lemony shrimp, a crusty rustic bread, or a crisp, simply dressed green salad. It even works as a picnic side for sandwiches and wraps—honestly, it never feels out of place.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad in individual jars or cups for a fun, portable party snack. Or layer it atop a bed of arugula on a big platter, letting all those vibrant colors shine. For a brunch, fill halved bell peppers with the salad for a playful, edible bowl that always gets rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad stores like a dream! Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for lunches or midday snacks.
Freezing
While possible, freezing isn’t recommended for this pasta salad. The tortellini and mozzarella tend to lose their texture after thawing. For best results, make and enjoy fresh, or keep chilled in the refrigerator.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warm salad, let the pasta salad sit out for 30 minutes, or briefly microwave a portion—but only until just barely warmed, to avoid melting the cheese.
FAQs
-
Can I use store-bought pesto for Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a huge time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe. If you want to make your own, go for it, but feel free to grab your favorite jar for convenience and great flavor.
-
Which type of tortellini works best?
Cheese tortellini is classic for its creamy filling and mild taste, but you can use spinach or even meat-filled tortellini if you’d like. Fresh or refrigerated varieties cook up especially tender and flavorful for pasta salad.
-
How far in advance can I make Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad?
You can easily prepare this salad up to a day ahead. The flavors actually meld and deepen as it sits. For the freshest texture, I like to add a fresh swirl of pesto and an extra handful of tomatoes just before serving.
-
Can I make this pasta salad vegan?
Yes! Use vegan tortellini, swap in dairy-free pesto, and try plant-based mozzarella alternatives. The salad keeps all its flavor and vibrance, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy as it is irresistible, Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is a recipe you’ll return to over and over again. I hope you fall in love with its simplicity and fresh flavors as much as I have—there’s nothing better than sharing good food with people you care about. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Cheese tortellini is tossed with fresh pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, marinated mozzarella balls, and diced red onion for a vibrant and satisfying pasta salad.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 20 ounce bag cheese tortellini
Pesto:
- 1 cup pesto
Cherry Tomatoes:
- 1 and 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Marinated Mozzarella Balls:
- 1 12 ounce container marinated mozzarella balls, drained
Red Onion:
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
Instructions
- Boil Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook for 1 and 1/2 minutes. Do not overcook!
- Rinse and Cool: Drain and rinse tortellini under cold water until cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine tortellini with pesto, cherry tomatoes, marinated mozzarella balls, and red onion. Toss well to coat.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
