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Pesto Tortellini Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

This vibrant and fresh Pesto Tortellini Salad is a quick and delicious dish perfect for a light lunch or a picnic. Featuring tender tortellini combined with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and tossed in a flavorful pesto sauce, this salad is bursting with Italian-inspired flavors and requires only 15 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 package tortellini (20 oz)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

Dressing

  • ¼ cup pesto

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes, until tender but firm.
  2. Drain and Cool: Once cooked, strain the tortellini and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and bring the temperature down for the salad.
  3. Prep Other Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the fresh basil, and prepare the sun-dried tomatoes if needed.
  4. Combine and Toss: In a large serving bowl, add the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzle with the pesto and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Add more pesto if desired to taste.

Notes

  • Use refrigerated or shelf-stable pesto according to your preference.
  • For a creamier salad, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the pesto before mixing.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes can be packed in oil or dry; if dry, consider rehydrating them briefly in warm water.
  • This salad can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to meld the flavors.
  • To make it vegetarian, ensure the tortellini filling and pesto do not contain meat or animal rennet.