Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Tortellini pesto pasta salad is a fast, flavorful option for lunches, parties or light dinners. With cheesy pasta, crisp vegetables and vibrant pesto, it’s easy to love. Serve it warm or chilled. Either way, it’s a surefire hit.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 Cup arugula
- 1 ¼ Cup basil pesto
- 1 Package cheese tortellini refrigerated, 18-Ounce
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 Cup baby spinach
- ½ Cup black olives sliced, drained
- 2 Cups cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 red onion small, diced
- 1 Package fresh mozzarella pearls, 8-Ounce drained
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta following the directions on the package.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it with cold water, then put it in a large bowl.
- Add the cucumber, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, red onion, spinach, arugula, pesto, black olives, and some salt and pepper.
- Toss well until everything is mixed and coated in the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or more so the flavors can meld more. Toss again before serving.
Notes
Rinse the tortellini: Stops it from overcooking and keeps it firm.
Save some pesto: I like to mix in most of the pesto and then, when serving the salad again the following day, add the rest because the salad tends to dry out slightly when refrigerated.
Toss before serving: Stir again after chilling to redistribute the dressing.
Save some pesto: I like to mix in most of the pesto and then, when serving the salad again the following day, add the rest because the salad tends to dry out slightly when refrigerated.
Toss before serving: Stir again after chilling to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 987mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1626IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 3mg
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