Pesto Tortellini Salad

This flavorful tortellini pasta salad with pesto has a distinctly Mediterranean edge, though it would be welcome on tables anywhere around the world. It’s a wonderful side dish for a weeknight dinner, or you can make larger portions and set it out on the buffet at a party. Best of all, this is a dish you can make hours ahead of when you plan to serve it, so the pressure is off on you, the chef.

Pesto Tortellini Salad Ingredients

• Tortellini: Choose your favorite tortellini, whether it’s loaded with cheese or heavier on the veggies.
• Cherry tomatoes: The cherry tomatoes should be halved for easy eating. Try to mix in some of the tomato juices, too.
• Mozzarella cheese pearls: You want 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese pearls. If need be, you can chop up a larger block of mozzarella.
• Greek olives: Make absolutely certain the Greek olives are pitted.
• Artichoke hearts: You’ll be using 4 ounces of marinated artichoke hearts, and make sure they are well-drained before you chop them.
• Basil: The minced basil needs to be fresh in order to add the right flavor properties to this pasta salad.
• Pesto: Feel free to use homemade pesto, if you’re up to it. Or, make things easier on yourself and use prepared pesto that you buy from the store.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the tortellini

Cook the tortellini according to package directions, then drain and rinse the noodles in cold water.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients

Transfer the tortellini to a large bowl, then stir in the tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, artichokes, basil and pesto, mixing until everything has combined.

Step 3: Chill

Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad until it has been fully chilled, which will take 1 to 2 hours.

Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad Variations

• Add some heat: Mixing in some red pepper flakes is a great way to add some spice to the dish.
• Toss in some lettuce: Throwing in several handfuls of chopped romaine or arugula into this pasta salad will give it some nice color.
• Drizzle on some oil: A tablespoon or two of olive oil prevents the noodles from sticking together and adds wonderful flavor.

How to Store Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad

This tortellini salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can you freeze this pasta salad?

No, unfortunately, this dish must be consumed within a few days or discarded.

Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad Tips

What should I serve with this pasta salad?

We recommend a light protein, like grilled chicken, fish or perhaps a pork chop. You can also serve it beside cooked green veggies like kale.

Can I use different tomatoes?

Of course, you don’t have to use cherry tomatoes. If you have heirloom tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes on hand, you can certainly use them in this recipe. Just make sure to chop whatever tomato you do use into the approximate size of one of those tomatoes cut in half.

How far ahead can I make this dish?

Ideally, you will prepare this tortellini salad a few hours before you plan to serve it, but if you have to make it a day ahead of time, it will still taste great when served.