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This easy Pesto tortellini pasta salad is made with plump cheese tortellini coated in basil pesto with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. This cold tortellini pasta salad with pesto is easy to make and perfect for picnics, lunch, and more!
Why This Recipe Is a Must Make
- Fresh ‘n Delicious: Packed with fresh basil leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes and luscious mozzarella pearls!
- Easy Side Dish: You can make this pasta salad with homemade pesto or with jarred pesto!
- 5 Ingredient recipe that lets you focus on eating and life stuff, not tedious prep!
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
I’m so excited about today’s recipe! You already know about my mouthwatering Italian pasta salad and tortellini pasta salad, but have you ever wished for a pesto tortellini pasta salad? This one is super easy, with just 3 steps and only 5 ingredients!
Packed with aromatic basil pesto, creamy mozzarella pearls, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this is one of my go-to recipes for picnics, lunch, and the list goes on! This recipe is the tortellini version of my pesto pasta salad.
In three words, this easy cold pasta side dish is: savory, herby & fresh. Basil, pesto, cheese and pasta combine for the tastiest Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad!
Pesto Pasta Salad with Tortellini Ingredients
Just a handful of simple ingredients are needed to make this easy pesto pasta salad with tortellini. Cheese tortellini and mozzarella combine with basil pesto to create a creamy and fresh pasta salad!
- Cheese tortellini – I grab a 20-ounce container of refrigerated cheese tortellini from the grocery store for the best convenience and taste (frozen is not always great)
- Pesto – use homemade pesto or jarred, store-bought pesto for ease
- Mozzarella – mozzarella pearls are the perfect size! Just drain and pat dry before adding to the cold tortellini pasta salad with pesto.
- Basil – fresh basil leaves are aromatic and pretty!
How to Make Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Bring a large pasta pot of salted water to boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain, rinse in cold water, drain again and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add pesto, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat.
- Refrigerate until cold and serve. Garnish with basil leaves. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Cheese Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
Wondering what to serve with basil pesto tortellini pasta salad? Here are some of my tastiest suggestions, from chicken and fish to mains and appetizers.
- Appetizers: bruschetta, pizza dip, Caprese skewers
- Chicken: garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken parmesan, Cajun chicken drumsticks
- Seafood: blackened salmon, garlic butter shrimp, air fryer salmon bites
- Pasta Dishes: chicken fettuccine Alfredo, garlic parmesan chicken pasta, tomato basil pasta
Variations
Sometimes I like to sass up this delicious cold pasta salad by adding in some cheese, protein or yummy toppings. Try any or all of the following:
- Add chopped pan seared chicken
- Fold in ¼ to ½ cup parmesan, pine nuts, or walnuts
- Add diced red onion or Kalamata olives
Storing Instructions
You can keep this tortellini pasta salad with pesto for 1-3 days, and enjoy the flavor that deepens overnight. To store, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add fresh basil leaves right before serving.
Tools You Need
- Pasta Pot with Strainer – literally my favorite pot to cook fettuccine, penne, really any pasta in. Comes with a strainer lid that locks into place when draining.
- Pasta Serving Bowls – these beautifully golden bowls are perfect for entertaining and make this recipe looks so beautiful!
For more delicious recipe ideas like easy pesto tortellini pasta salad, follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you’ve tried this recipe, take a pic and tag us on Instagram using #beamingbaker. We can’t wait to see it! Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
More Pesto & Pasta Salad Recipes
You’ll love pairing these recipes with pesto pasta, shrimp Alfredo pasta, and more!
Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 20 ounce container refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup homemade pesto, or store-bought
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls, drain and pat dry*
- 10 ounce container cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain, rinse in cold water until cool, drain again completely, then place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add store-bought or homemade pesto, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat well.
- Refrigerate and serve once the pasta salad is completely cold. Garnish with basil leaves. Enjoy!
- ★ Last Step: If you made this recipe, leave a comment and review. It truly helps our small business keep running and it helps readers like you!
Notes
- *If you can only find large pieces of mozzarella, dice to the desired size.
- Storing Instructions: Cover and keep for 1-3 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
