Name: Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 6 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; 1 cup arugula; 1 cup baby spinach; ½ cup sliced black olives, drained; 8 ounces mozzarella pearls, drained; 1 ¼ cups basil pesto; Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 90 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant dish that’s bursting with fresh, Mediterranean flavors and requires minimal effort, this Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is your soon-to-be favorite go-to. It’s a delightful, colorful medley where tender cheese tortellini meets crisp veggies and luscious pesto, striking the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing. Ideal for quick lunches, potlucks, or light dinners, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints and makes any mealtime feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal colander filled with one large layer of cooked tortellini pasta, each piece showing smooth, light yellow dough folded into small rings with pinched tops and rounded bottoms, filling the colander evenly. The colander has a shiny, perforated texture with small round holes and is held by two long thin handles extending downward. The colander sits on a white marbled surface, bright and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe just right is a breeze thanks to its fresh, simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the bowl. From the creamy cheese tortellini to the peppery arugula and rich basil pesto, every component enhances texture, color, and overall taste.

18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini: Creamy pockets of cheese that serve as the star and base of the salad.
2 cups cherry tomatoes (sliced in half): Juicy bursts of sweetness that add freshness and vibrant red hues.
1 cucumber (diced): Crisp and cooling for a subtle crunch and refreshing contrast.
1 small red onion (diced): Adds a mild bite and lovely purple color depth.
8 ounces mozzarella pearls (drained): Soft, milky bites that melt into every forkful with creamy goodness.
1 cup arugula: Peppery greens that contribute a bold flavor punch and beautiful green color.
1 cup baby spinach: Tender leaves offering a gentle earthy background and added nutrition.
½ cup sliced black olives (drained): Briny notes that cut through the richness and add complexity.
1 ¼ cups basil pesto: Herbaceous, garlicky sauce that ties everything together with a fresh, vibrant finish.
Salt and pepper (to taste, optional): To enhance and balance all the fabulous flavors.

How to Make Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this seasons the pasta from within. Add your refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook them until perfectly tender, following the package directions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water immediately. This step cools the tortellini quickly and stops further cooking, keeping their soft, pillowy texture intact while prepping them for the salad bowl.

Step 2: Combine All the Fresh Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, toss together the cooled tortellini with halved cherry tomatoes, crisp diced cucumber, zesty red onion, creamy mozzarella pearls, peppery arugula, tender baby spinach, and briny black olives. Pour your fragrant basil pesto over everything and sprinkle with salt and pepper if you like. Give it a thorough toss until every bite glistens with that luscious pesto coating and all the flavors start mingling lovingly.

Step 3: Chill for Flavor Harmony

If you can wait, pop the salad into the fridge covered for 30 minutes to an hour. This chill time lets the flavors nestle together and intensify, melding the fresh ingredients and herby pesto into a cohesive, mouthwatering experience that’s even better than freshly mixed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Just before bringing the salad to the table, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly. Serve chilled for a refreshing dish that’s bright, flavorful, and ready to impress at any gathering or simple family meal.

How to Serve Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a fresh tortellini salad sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: the first layer is yellow tortellini pasta with a soft texture, mixed throughout; the second layer consists of halved red cherry tomatoes, sliced green cucumber, black olive rounds, and small white mozzarella balls; the third layer is chopped purple onion and green spinach leaves scattered evenly. The salad is coated with a green pesto sauce that adds a slightly coarse texture and bright color. Fresh basil leaves are visible on the side, and a few tomatoes are placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can really elevate your Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe. Consider a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or extra basil leaves to heighten the herbal aroma and add an extra touch of luxury. Toasted pine nuts add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pesto.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal. It also works wonderfully alongside crusty garlic bread or a light minestrone soup for a well-rounded Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, serve this pasta salad layered in a glass trifle bowl to showcase those vibrant colors, or spoon it into avocado halves for a fun, bite-sized party appetizer. Wrapping it in large lettuce leaves transforms it into a portable, fresh wrap perfect for picnics or lunches on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the fresh textures of the veggies and the creamy consistency of the tortellini.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and pesto texture, freezing this salad is not recommended. The greens and cheese tortellini tend to lose their wonderful texture and freshness once thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not ideal. If you prefer a warm pasta option, consider setting aside some fresh pasta before tossing with pesto and veggies for a warm meal variation.

FAQs

Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just cook the dried tortellini according to the package instructions, then rinse under cold water to cool before assembling the salad. It may have a slightly firmer texture, but it works well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can swap out the cheese tortellini and mozzarella pearls for vegan versions and use a dairy-free pesto to enjoy a plant-based take on this delicious salad.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, this pasta salad remains fresh and tasty for up to three days. After that, textures and flavors may start to degrade.

Can I prepare this salad without pesto?

You certainly can, but pesto really is the heart of this recipe. If you want a different twist, try a light vinaigrette or a creamy Italian dressing, though the flavor profile will shift significantly.

What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting soggy?

Rinsing the cooked tortellini under cold water helps stop cooking and dry the pasta slightly. Additionally, tossing the salad just before serving and chilling it uncovered or loosely covered prevents sogginess from excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is genuinely one of those recipes that feels like a celebration in every bite—a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s as easy to make as it is to adore. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a satisfying meal, this salad delivers freshness, comfort, and a splash of color to brighten any table. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.