Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Pesto tortellini pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender tortellini, aromatic pesto, and fresh vegetables for a delightful summer meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this easy-to-make salad bursts with color and taste. Enjoy it warm or cold, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cheese tortellini
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions (about 3-5 minutes) until they float. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, toss the drained tortellini with the basil pesto until evenly coated.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber; mix until combined.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to enhance flavors.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider including roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken. Substitute traditional basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique twist. Customize by adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.