Description
This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad comes together in about 20 minutes with cheesy tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto — perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
18–20 oz cheese tortellini
1 cup basil pesto
1½–2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
Small handful fresh basil, torn
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.
3. In a large bowl, mix the pesto with a splash of olive oil, then add the cooled tortellini and toss until coated.
4. Fold in the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and torn basil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Add a spoonful of extra pesto before serving if making ahead, since the tortellini absorbs pesto as it sits.
Not recommended for freezing due to the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
Most pesto contains pine nuts — mention this if serving guests with nut allergies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg