Description
This Pesto Tortellini Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender tortellini with zesty pesto and sweet cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner, it’s easy to make and packed with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- Fresh cheese tortellini
- Basil pesto
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Red onion
- Toasted pine nuts (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooked, diced grilled chicken (optional)
- Lean cooked beef strips (optional)
- Baby spinach (optional)
- Arugula (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini.
- Drain and cool the tortellini: Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander. Rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Let them drain thoroughly and cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the fresh ingredients: Halve all cherry tomatoes. If using fresh mozzarella balls, drain and halve them if larger, or leave them whole if very small. Finely dice the red onion.
- Combine everything in a large bowl: Once the tortellini is completely cool, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls, and finely diced red onion.
- Add the pesto and toss gently: Spoon in your basil pesto, starting with about 1/2 cup. Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated in the pesto.
- Chill for flavor melding: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, give the salad another gentle stir. Adjust seasonings if necessary and garnish with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Ensure your tortellini is completely cool before adding the pesto to maintain its vibrant flavor. Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste, and feel free to customize with additional proteins or vegetables.