4-Ingredient Pesto Tortellini Salad

This Pesto Tortellini Salad combines rich, fresh flavors in every bite, all made with just 4 simple ingredients! Juicy cherry tomatoes, tender cheese tortellini, and creamy fresh mozzarella are tossed in a rich, flavorful pesto sauce. Perfect as a delicious side dish or a quick, healthy lunch, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying.

Super Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad

I could put pesto on virtually anything and call it a meal. I just love the rich, garlicky flavor that it adds to any dish. And when you combine pesto with tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella…well, it’s pretty much a match made in heaven.

This tortellini pasta salad recipe just goes to show how simple can be so delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a flavorful and filling meal. While it’s the perfect pasta salad for summer, it’s versatile enough to enjoy any time of the year.

​ All You Need are 4 Ingredients!

1. Cheese-filled tortellini: Get a package of premade refrigerated cheesy tortellini or make your own homemade tortellini if you’re feeling ambitious.
2. Basil pesto: Use your favorite brand or make your own homemade pesto. I use store-bought pesto here.
3. Cherry tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a burst of juicy, sweet flavor. Grape tomatoes also work!
4. Mossarella cheese: Use fresh mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella cheese for a creamy, melty finish.
5. (Bonus) Fresh Basil: Take this easy pasta salad up a notch by adding fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Other Tasty Add-In Ideas

Want to add complexity to this simple pasta salad? Here are a few tasty ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Protein – Add some protein by tossing in sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or diced salami.
• Veggies – Mix and match your favorite vegetables like red onion, bell peppers, cucumbers, black olives, or chopped artichoke hearts for added crunch and nutrients.

How to Make Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Get a big pot of salted water boiling, then toss in the tortellini. Cook according to package directions until it’s nice and tender. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Toss 

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked tortellini, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and pesto sauce. Toss everything up until it’s all evenly coated and looking delicious.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

You can serve your salad right away at room temp, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 

Don’t forget to sprinkle on some fresh basil before digging in. Enjoy!

What Goes Well with Pesto Tortellini Salad?

What doesn’t go well with pesto tortellini salad? It’s the perfect side dish! Pair it with grilled favorites like my Lemon Dijon Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled Burger Skewers, or Easy-Oven Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks.

Want to round out the meal? Garlic bread is a no-brainer, and these Best Damn Beer Battered Onion Rings make a great side dish too.

Storage

Store your leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as some of the dressing may have settled at the bottom.

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