Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Description
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad features fresh cheese tortellini as its base, cooked just briefly to maintain a firm yet tender bite. The pasta is rinsed under cold water to stop cooking and then combined with basil pesto, which adds herbal and nutty flavors. Sliced cherry tomatoes introduce a sweet and juicy element, while fresh mozzarella balls contribute a creamy texture. Diced red onion adds a mild pungency, balanced by the other ingredients.
Careful tossing of these ingredients ensures each bite has a blend of pasta, pesto, tomato, cheese, and onion for a balanced flavor profile. This salad can be served right after tossing or chilled to meld the flavors together. It's suitable as a side dish or a light meal option.
When preparing, choose fresh cheese tortellini and either store-bought or homemade pesto. Red onions can be soaked in ice water to reduce sharpness if preferred. Adding extra pesto after chilling can refresh the flavor if making ahead.
Ingredients
- 20-24 ounces cheese tortellini fresh
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomato sliced in half
- 12-16 ounce mozzarella cheese drained, fresh, balls, container
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the tortellini and cook for 1 and 1/2 minutes. Don’t overcook the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until the pasta is cool.
- Add the drained tortellini to a large bowl.
- Add in pesto, tomatoes, cheese, and onion.
- Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Any fresh cheese tortellini brand works; tricolor tortellini can be substituted.
- Use store-bought or homemade basil pesto according to preference.
- Grape tomatoes can replace cherry tomatoes if desired.
- Mini mozzarella balls are ideal; larger ones or marinated mozzarella may be used instead.
- Soak diced red onion in ice water to mellow its bite if preferred.
- If making ahead, add a little fresh pesto before serving to brighten flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 380 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 380kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 694mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 80mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 839IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 295mg | 30% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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