🌿 Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad – Ready in Just 10 Minutes! ⏱️
Ahhh, summertime. Can you feel that sunshine on your face, hear your favorite summer playlist humming away in the background, and smell the heavenly aroma drifting from this freshly made pasta salad? I sure can! I’m so excited to share this speedy, super simple yet mouthwateringly delicious Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad with you today. It’s my go-to dish whenever I need something fresh, flavorful, and ready in no time. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, backyard barbecue, potluck, or just dinner after a long day, this pasta salad never disappoints!
A Sunny Memory from My Kitchen 🍃
I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up this Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. The sun was shining beautifully outside, and on a whim, my friends and I decided to have a spontaneous little picnic at our local park. I had limited time to create something tasty, fresh, and transportable, so I immediately scanned the fridge. Cheese tortellini, ripe cherry tomatoes, marinated mozzarella balls, and fresh pesto practically jumped out at me!
Within 10 minutes, I had whipped together this vibrant dish, hardly breaking a sweat. When I set it out on the picnic blanket amidst sandwiches, fresh fruit, and lemonade, it was gobbled up in seconds—and guess who became everyone’s favorite picnic companion? 😉 Since that day, this easy dish has graced countless gatherings and lazy evenings at home alike.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Tortellini Salad 💚
– It’s incredibly easy—ready in just 10 minutes!
– Bursting with the fresh, sunny flavors of basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes.
– Super-versatile—great for lunch, dinner, or parties; delicious warm or chilled.
– Crowd-pleaser alert: Everyone LOVES cheese-filled tortellini. Trust me!
Ready to whip up this delightful summertime pasta salad? Let’s jump right in!
🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need:
This dish comes together with just a handful of ingredients:
– 1 (20 oz) bag cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated tastes best)
– 1 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, sweet and ripe, halved
– 1 (12 oz) container marinated mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
– ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
👩🍳 How to Make Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad (Step-by-Step):
Step 1: Prep the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the tortellini carefully. Cook the pasta for just 1½ – 2 minutes or according to package instructions. Tortellini is delicate and cooks super-fast, so keep your eye on the clock!
Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the tortellini. You want it perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite (al dente) and not mushy.
Step 2: Shock in Cold Water
Drain the tortellini immediately and rinse thoroughly under cold water until completely cooled. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Transfer the cooled and drained tortellini into a big mixing bowl. Add pesto, cherry tomatoes, marinated mozzarella balls, and diced red onion. Gently toss everything to ensure every bite gets plenty of pesto goodness!
Pro Tip: For best flavor, use a good quality, fresh basil pesto or homemade pesto. Feeling creative? Check out my fresh basil pesto recipe for a homemade touch!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. If refrigerated, give it another gentle toss just before serving to redistribute all that gorgeous pesto flavor.
✨ Serving Suggestions:
This delicious pasta salad is fabulous as-is, but if you want to add even more vibrant summer goodness, here are a few optional ideas to elevate your dish:
– Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a delightful crunch.
– Add freshly grated parmesan cheese or extra basil leaves just before serving.
– For protein-packed goodness, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
– Serve alongside fresh garlic bread, crusty sourdough, or warm focaccia for the ultimate picnic event.
🌟 Chef’s Pro Tips:
– If you’re planning to serve this pasta salad at a party or potluck, you can easily make it ahead. Prepare all ingredients, store in separate containers, and combine right before serving for absolute freshness.
– Short on time? Choose a high-quality store-bought pesto—but check labels to find one with simple, fresh ingredients.
– Want to make it vegan-friendly? Substitute tortellini with vegan cashew or spinach-filled pasta and vegan pesto. Then, swap mozzarella balls for vegan cheese or avocado cubes for a creamy twist.
💡 Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
Around 360 calories, 18g fat, 14g protein, and 30g carbohydrates.
This balanced pasta salad is a satisfying and energetic meal or side dish.
🍽 Storage Tips:
Keep any leftovers completely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Honestly, this pasta salad tastes just as delicious the next day as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Great leftovers mean easy lunches later in the week too!
Ready, Set, Picnic! ☀️
In simple terms, my friends, this Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is truly a summer classic: quick, tasty, packed full of vibrant flavors, and guaranteed to put smiles on everyone’s faces. It’s been a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen for years, and it’s about to become your favorite too—I promise!
Go on, give it a whirl! And hey, don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you. Tag me in your creations, or drop your thoughts below. I absolutely love hearing from you!
Until next time, stay fresh, flavorful, and happy cooking! 🌿🍅✨
xo,
Your friendly neighborhood chef 🤗👩🍳