Pesto Tortellini Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto Tortellini Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant and satisfying pasta salad featuring cheese-filled tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil pesto. Perfect served cold or at room temperature, it’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or an easy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and pesto.
- Add olive oil if desired, and toss until the tortellini is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss again.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving or serve at room temperature.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using.
Notes
- Use tricolor tortellini for extra visual appeal.
- Add grilled chicken, olives, or mozzarella pearls for variation.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Use homemade pesto for a fresher, more aromatic flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg