What goes well with pesto tortellini?

Pesto tortellini pairs well with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach. Other great additions include grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pine nuts.

How long is tortellini salad good for?

Tortellini salad is generally good for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell, before consuming.

How do you keep pasta salad from drying out?

To prevent pasta salad from drying out, toss it with a little extra dressing just before serving. You can also add ingredients with high moisture content, such as cucumbers or tomatoes. Storing the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator will also help.

Can you use frozen tortellini for pasta salad?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini for pasta salad. Cook the tortellini according to package directions, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.

What is the best kind of pesto to use?

The best kind of pesto is a matter of personal preference! Store-bought pesto works well for convenience, or you can easily make your own fresh pesto using basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Can I make pesto tortellini pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make pesto tortellini pasta salad ahead of time. The flavors often meld together even better when it sits for a few hours or overnight. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good toss before serving. You may need to add a bit more pesto or olive oil if it seems dry.

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad With A Fresh Bright Finish 2026

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This restaurant-quality pasta salad is an economical and vibrant crowd-pleaser. Hearty cheese tortellini and a from-scratch pesto dressing combine with fresh tomatoes, chickpeas, and mozzarella for a dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight meals.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: lunch
Method: boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

20 oz fresh cheese tortellini
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
0.5 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
0.33 cup sliced black olives, optional
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.33 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic, peeled
0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water.
While the pasta cooks, make the pesto. In a food processor, combine the 2 cups basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a sauce forms. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, mozzarella, and olives if using.
Pour the pesto dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For best results, cook tortellini to al dente and cool it before mixing. The salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If making ahead, reserve a little extra pesto to refresh the salad before serving as the pasta absorbs moisture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 650
Fat: 27
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 18
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 5
Protein: 18
Cholesterol: 45

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/pesto-tortellini-pasta-salad/