Easy Tortellini Pesto Salad

Bright, herby, and impossibly simple, this Easy Tortellini Pesto Salad is the ultimate go-to dish for effortless weeknight dinners, potlucks, or summer picnics. Featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich, aromatic basil pesto dressing, this recipe is elevated with a medley of crisp veggies, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a garnish of fragrant basil leaves complete this vibrant dish, offering bursts of flavor in every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this no-fuss salad can be served warm or chilled, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for pasta salad lovers seeking bold flavors and fresh ingredients!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Cheese tortellini
• 0.5 cups Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 Cucumber, diced
• 0.25 Red onion, thinly sliced
• 0.5 cups Black olives, sliced
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, typically 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto and olive oil. Stir until well blended to create a smooth dressing.

Step 3

Add the cooked and slightly cooled tortellini to the bowl. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto dressing.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and black olives to the bowl. Gently mix to combine.

Step 5

Season the salad with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss lightly to incorporate.

Step 7

Transfer the tortellini pesto salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving for a refreshing cold salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	983.3 grams (983.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1975

Total Fat 111.50g	143%
Saturated Fat 30.20g	151%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.60g
Cholesterol 175mg	58%
Sodium 3834mg	167%
Total Carbohydrate 190.00g	69%
Dietary Fiber 15.20g	54%
Total Sugars 10.90g
Protein 65.00g	130%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 951mg	73%
Iron 10mg	53%
Potassium 727mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.6%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 37.6%