Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- A Fresh Take on Summer Pasta Salads
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
- The Secret to Pesto Perfection
- Quick Tips for Easy Prep
- How to Serve This Dish
- Make-Ahead and Storage Ideas
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is a quick and satisfying summer favorite, packed with bold basil flavor, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender tortellini. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, and light dinners.
A Fresh Take on Summer Pasta Salads
If you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying, this dish is your new go-to. At Betty Cooks, I love bringing easy recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad hits all the right notes—vibrant colors, creamy textures, and zesty herbaceous goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
This is one of those quick and easy recipes that never fails. It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish and is completely customizable. Whether you’re looking for sweet easy recipes or savory delights, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. It also fits perfectly into your weekly dinner recipes rotation.
The Secret to Pesto Perfection
What makes this salad stand out is the combination of rich pesto and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re using homemade pesto or store-bought, a quality base is the heart of every great pasta salad. For anyone searching for food receipt easy recipes, this is a winning choice. Trust me, it’s every bit as indulgent as it is effortless.
Quick Tips for Easy Prep
Want to make your Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad even easier? Use pre-chopped veggies and store-bought pesto. This works beautifully as a meal prep option too. Make it ahead, chill it, and you’ve got a refreshing meal ready when you are—ideal for air fryer desserts easy recipes nights where you don’t want to cook twice.
How to Serve This Dish
This salad can shine on its own or as a side with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak. Serve it cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for summer BBQs, easy recipes picnics, or a fresh addition to your dinner recipes collection.
Make-Ahead and Storage Ideas
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. If prepping ahead, consider adding the pesto just before serving to keep the salad vibrant. A lifesaver when you’re working with quick and easy recipes throughout a busy week!
Notes & Tips
For extra protein, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas. Prefer it cheesier? Stir in fresh mozzarella balls or a sprinkle of feta. This easy recipe welcomes your creativity!
Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add pesto and olive oil, then toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve cold or at room temperature.
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