If you are searching for a bright, flavorful dish that brings together creamy cheese tortellini and vibrant fresh ingredients, this Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is the perfect answer. Bursting with the richness of pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, tender mozzarella, and a pleasant crunch from toasted pine nuts and fresh veggies, it’s a celebration of taste and texture in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a potluck contribution, or a light dinner, this pasta salad feels both comforting and exciting, making it one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and family.

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting to know your ingredients is half the fun in creating this delightful salad. Each component plays an essential role—some add creaminess, others brightness, and a few bring that satisfying crunch that rounds out every forkful perfectly.

Cheese tortellini (20 oz): The star of the dish, tender and stuffed with rich, creamy cheese for ultimate comfort.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These add a burst of juicy sweetness and gorgeous color to brighten the salad.
Fresh mozzarella balls (1 cup, halved): Soft, milky bites that perfectly complement the sharpness of the pesto.
Black olives (1/2 cup, sliced): Introduce a subtle briny punch that balances the other flavors.
Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Provides a slight crunch and mild zest without overpowering the dish.
Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, torn): Adds an herbaceous freshness essential to the pesto theme.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish.
Pesto sauce (1 cup): Whether store-bought or homemade, this herbaceous blend ties every ingredient together beautifully.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Enhances the pesto, giving it a smooth texture and mellow richness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning that lets the flavors shine without overwhelming them.
Cucumber (1/2 cup, diced): Adds a refreshing crunch and a cool note amidst the other ingredients.
Roasted red peppers (1/2 cup, chopped): Contributes sweetness and a smoky depth to the salad.
Toasted pine nuts (1/4 cup): The perfect crunchy, nutty topping that enhances the pesto vibe.

How to Make Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently add the cheese tortellini, and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Once cooked, drain them carefully and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down – this ensures they hold their perfect tender texture for the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While your tortellini cooks, dive into prepping the fresh components. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls to release their full flavor. Slice the black olives with care, finely chop the red onion for just the right bite, and tear the fresh basil leaves into charming little pieces so their fragrance really shines through each mouthful.

Step 3: Make the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with all your prepped vegetables and herbs: cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, onion, and basil. For even more layers of flavor and crunch, add diced cucumber, chopped roasted red peppers, and those delicious toasted pine nuts. This colorful mixture is already a feast for the senses.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the pesto sauce and olive oil until beautifully combined. Pour this vibrant green dressing generously over the salad ingredients in your large bowl. This is where the magic happens, as the pesto delicately coats and infuses everything with its rich, herby goodness.

Step 5: Toss and Season

Gently toss all the ingredients together with care so that each tortellini and vegetable piece is evenly coated without breaking them apart. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. This step makes sure the flavors balance perfectly before plating.

Step 6: Serve the Salad

Transfer your vibrant salad to a beautiful serving dish and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over the top. For the best taste explosion, let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow those bold flavors to meld. It’s delightful whether served chilled or at room temperature—perfect for any season!

How to Serve Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh garnishes can elevate this salad even further. Fresh basil leaves on top bring out the pesto’s herbaceous charm, while extra toasted pine nuts add crunch and a nutty aroma. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving gives the dish a beautiful sheen and a little extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is a versatile companion for so many dishes. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a fulfilling meal, or let it shine alongside crusty garlic bread for a casual, satisfying lunch. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to round out your plate with fresh greens and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests with a stylish presentation? Serve the salad in a hollowed-out watermelon or a large, colorful bowl to make the colors pop even more. You could also pre-portion it into individual mason jars for picnics or entertaining, making it easy and fun to enjoy on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and to preserve that bright flavor of the basil and pesto. The pine nuts might soften a bit over time but the overall salad remains delicious and ready to be enjoyed.

Freezing

Freezing pesto tortellini pasta salad is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and cheese don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—they tend to turn watery or become mushy. For the freshest taste, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve this salad slightly warmed, gently heat it in the microwave for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring once to distribute the heat. However, it truly shines when served chilled or at room temperature, allowing the pesto and cheese to remain creamy and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully and cuts down on prep time. If you have homemade pesto, that’s fantastic too, but both options deliver that rich basil flavor this recipe depends on.

What type of cheese tortellini should I choose?

The classic cheese-filled tortellini is best here, particularly ones stuffed with ricotta and Parmesan blends for creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the pesto perfectly.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Swap out the cheese tortellini for a vegan alternative, use dairy-free mozzarella or omit it, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and ensure your pesto is free of cheese. It’s just as tasty with these swaps.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely, this Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is a fantastic choice for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers, and the flavors will deepen over time, making your lunches or dinners even more delicious during the week.

How can I make the salad more protein-packed?

Adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans boosts the protein content without changing the core flavors too much. They blend seamlessly, making the salad more filling and balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining fresh, vibrant ingredients with rich pesto and creamy cheese tortellini. It’s incredibly easy to make yet impressive enough to serve any time you want a dish that feels both casual and special. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to for gatherings, lunches, or a simple, satisfying meal at home.