Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

If sunshine could be served in a bowl, it would most definitely look (and taste) like this vibrant Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. This dish brings together plump cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy marinated mozzarella, zesty red onion, and a generous slick of pesto for a flavor-packed salad that works as a quick lunch, colorful side, or star of any potluck table. What I love most about the Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is how it manages to feel both hearty and fresh at the same time, inviting you back for forkful after forkful—trust me, you’ll want to make extra.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of ingredients is all it takes to put this crowd-pleaser together. Each element, from the pillowy tortellini to that fragrant pesto, brings its own personality, color, and taste to the salad for a dish that feels far more complex than the effort required.

• Cheese tortellini: A 20-ounce bag of cheese tortellini is the heart of this salad, providing a satisfying, cheesy bite in every forkful. Fresh or refrigerated works best for quick cooking.
• Pesto: Use 1 cup of your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto; it coats everything in herbal, garlicky goodness and ties the flavors together.
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 ½ cups of halved cherry tomatoes add bright color and juicy sweetness—look for ripe, firm tomatoes for the best burst.
• Marinated mozzarella balls: A 12-ounce container, drained. These bring mellow, creamy richness, and the herby marinade adds an extra dimension of taste.
• Red onion: Finely dice ¼ cup to add a pop of color and a lively bite that balances the creamy cheese and punchy pesto.

How to Make Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s rolling, gently drop in the cheese tortellini. Cook them for just 1 ½ minutes—the trick here is not to overcook. You want each bite to be tender but still hold its shape, so set a timer and keep an eye out.

Step 2: Cool the Tortellini

Drain the tortellini promptly and immediately rinse them under cold running water. This step is more than just practical—it instantly stops the cooking and keeps the pasta perfectly al dente. No mushy pasta here, just little cheesy pillows ready to soak up the flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Transfer those cooled, plump tortellini into a big serving bowl. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, the drained marinated mozzarella balls, and the diced red onion. Don’t forget to add the pesto—this is where all the magic happens! The colors alone will make your heart skip a beat.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

With a gentle hand (so you don’t squish those mozzarella balls), toss the salad until the pesto evenly coats every gnocchi, tomato, and sliver of onion. Take a moment to inhale that herby aroma! Serve right away if you can’t wait, or cover and refrigerate. The Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is just as delicious chilled later on.

How to Serve Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish can make this Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad truly pop. Try scattering a handful of fresh basil leaves, a grating of lemon zest, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. For a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts are absolutely dreamy.

Side Dishes

This bright, herby salad is a natural partner to summer grilling favorites like grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even a simple green salad. It also shines as a stand-alone lunch or picnic star—just add crusty bread for mopping up those extra pesto drizzles!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad in a wide, shallow platter to show off those colors. For a party, scoop portions into small cups or jars for adorable, mess-free servings. You can even thread components onto skewers for a fun, deconstructed twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad soaks up the pesto and feels a bit dry, just toss with a drizzle of olive oil before serving to revive its glossy, fresh texture.

Freezing

While tortellini themselves freeze well, this salad is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge. Freezing tends to change the texture of the cheese and tomatoes, so save this one for making ahead a day or two, not weeks in advance.

Reheating

This recipe is truly best served cold or at room temperature. If you do want to enjoy it warm, allow it to come to room temp and then let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes, or briefly microwave individual portions just to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works well—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time and check for doneness. Rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the process, just like the original instructions.

What can I substitute for marinated mozzarella balls?

If marinated mozzarella balls aren’t available, plain mozzarella pearls or even diced fresh mozzarella will do beautifully. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a dash of olive oil for extra flavor if you like.

Is it possible to make Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, look for vegan tortellini and a pesto that omits cheese. You can swap the mozzarella balls with marinated vegan cheese or even cubes of avocado for a creamy element.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Of course! This recipe is super flexible. Consider adding roasted red peppers, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichoke hearts to bulk it up and tailor it to your taste.

How should I adjust if making the salad ahead for a party?

If prepping ahead, keep the pesto separate and add it just before serving. This helps prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and keeps everything looking and tasting fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again—so simple, full of bright flavors, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you give it a try soon and discover just how quickly it turns any gathering into a celebration!

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