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Pesto Tortellini Salad

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A delicious Pesto Tortellini Salad that combines fresh basil pesto, cheese-filled tortellini, and juicy tomatoes for a perfect light meal.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: crowd-pleaser, easy salad recipe, pasta salad, Pesto Tortellini Salad, quick meals, summer salad
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • Dry Pan

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 12 oz fresh refrigerated tortellini opt for cheese-filled
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup basil pesto use your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes ripe and juicy
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls also known as bocconcini
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts toasting enhances aroma

Optional Topping

  • Parmesan cheese sprinkle on top just before serving

Instructions

How to Make Pesto Tortellini Salad

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  • Spread the drained tortellini evenly on a baking sheet or a large platter, creating a single layer. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
  • Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and drain the liquid from the mozzarella balls. Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden.
  • In a large mixing bowl, gently combine cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and fresh mozzarella balls.
  • Drizzle in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of basil pesto. Gently toss the salad until everything is beautifully coated.
  • Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir in most of the chopped fresh basil and toasted pine nuts.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Toss again before serving and add reserved basil and pine nuts on top.
  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

Use the freshest ingredients possible for enhanced flavor and allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes for the best experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 750mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 10mg
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