Incredibly simple to prepare, this easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad takes just 5 ingredients and can be put together in 15 minutes or less. This fresh side dish is great for picnics and potlucks, and is tasty to have in the fridge for easy lunches.
Pesto is a favorite in our kitchen because it's versatile, flavorful, and pretty healthy! Basil is incredibly nutrient dense and olive oil has health benefits as well. Whether you are using homemade pesto or opting for a store bought version, pesto is a great sauce to keep on hand.
To flavor chicken we love it in this Creamy Instant Pot Pesto Chicken, Pesto Chicken Wrap, and Broccoli Stuffed Chicken with Pesto. For another pasta salad with pesto, try this Pesto Orzo Salad or Mushroom Pesto Pasta with Sausage.
Store bought tortellini are a such a staple to keep in the fridge (or freezer!) because they work for salads, snacks, pasta dishes, and soups. Our favorite is this Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage.
Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
This easy pasta salad is perfect for summer barbecues and pairs well with burgers and other grilled meats. Pair it with refreshing sun tea for a summer picnic meal.
It's great any time of year though. In the winter, I enjoy it warm instead of refrigerated.
Why you'll love this pesto tortellini pasta salad recipe
- It's incredibly simple to make! With only 5 ingredients needed and just a few minutes of prep time, you can be done from start to finish in just about 15 minutes.
- This pasta salad is unique AND a crowd pleaser. A little something different from standard pasta salad, this is one not mayo based!
- It transports very well. This tortellini pesto salad is sturdy and transports to events super easily without needed to do anything to freshen it up, except for give it a good stir.
Ingredients
- package cheese tortellini
- basil pesto (store bought or homemade)
- cherry tomatoes
- fresh mozzarella pearls
- red onion
How to Make Pesto Tortellini Salad
Rather than cook tortellini according to packaging instructions, cook them 1-2 minutes less than what it says on the package. This way they will be cooked through, but sturdier.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your other ingredients. Dice the red onion finely, drain mozzarella balls, and slice tomatoes in half.
In a large bowl, add pesto. Add drained pasta along with red onion and tomatoes and stir.
Wait five minutes to allow to cool slightly and then add in fresh mozzarella balls (this helps them stay intact and not melt).
Stir and enjoy warm or refrigerate for a cold pasta salad.
Optional Add-ins
I love how simple this summer pesto pasta salad is, but you can add in other ingredients if you want, as well!
- chopped canned artichoke hearts
- fresh basil
- sun dried tomatoes
- kalamata olives
Storage
This pasta salad will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for around 4 days.
I don't recommend freezing it, as some of the ingredients will lose their texture when thawed.
More Summer Pasta Salad Recipes
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 20 oz package cheese tortellini
- ¾ cup pesto
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 8 oz package fresh mozzarella pearls
- ½ small red onion diced
Instructions
- Rather than cook tortellini according to packaging instructions, cook them 1-2 minutes less than what it says on the package. This way they will be cooked through, but sturdier.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your other ingredients. Dice the red onion finely, drain mozzarella balls, and slice tomatoes in half.
- In a large bowl, add pesto. Add drained pasta along with red onion and tomatoes and stir.
- Wait five minutes to allow to cool slightly and then add in fresh mozzarella balls (this helps them stay intact and not melt).
- Stir and enjoy warm or refrigerate for a cold pasta salad.
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