Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Description
The salad begins with cooking cheese tortellini and reserving some pasta water before draining. The tortellini is then combined with pesto sauce blended with reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth consistency that coats each pasta piece. Sweet cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls add fresh juiciness and mild creaminess. Thinly sliced fresh basil enhances the herbal aroma and flavor. Seasoning with salt and pepper finalizes the balanced taste.
This pasta salad’s texture is tender from the tortellini, creamy from the cheese, and juicy from the tomatoes. It can be served chilled for refreshing appeal or at room temperature for softer flavors. The basil pesto provides a vibrant, aromatic backbone to the dish.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making this salad convenient for make-ahead lunches or potlucks. Using fresh or frozen tortellini offers flexibility.
Ingredients
- 19 ounces cheese tortellini
- ¾ cup pesto homemade or store bought
- 1 cup cherry tomato halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese mini pearls
- ¼ cup basil sliced thin, fresh
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini pasta according to package directions
- Remove 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta into a strainer.
- Place the drained tortellini to a large serving bowl.
- In a small bowl, add the pesto and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and pour over the pasta and toss gently to coat the pasta. ( If the sauce is too dry, add another ¼ cup of the pasta water)
- Add the sliced tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use either fresh or frozen cheese tortellini according to preference.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature based on taste.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 334 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 334kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 521mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 43mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 599IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 181mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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