Best Pesto Tortellini Salad with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto Tortellini Salad With Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender tortellini, aromatic pesto, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant potluck contribution, this salad is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Refrigerated or fresh cheese-filled tortellini
- Basil pesto
- Fresh cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
- Red onion
- Toasted pine nuts
- Fresh basil leaves
- Optional protein (grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or shredded beef)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes and halve each one. Add them to the bowl with the cooled tortellini.
- Add Mozzarella and Red Onion: Drain the mozzarella balls and add them to the bowl, either whole or halved. Finely dice the red onion and add it to the mixture.
- Dress with Pesto: Spoon the basil pesto over the tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion. Start with about half a cup and adjust to your liking.
- Toss to Combine: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well coated with the pesto.
- Season and Taste: Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed with salt, black pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Chill (Optional, but Recommended): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or two to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: For best results, use high-quality pesto and consider chilling the salad for at least an hour to enhance the flavors. Customize with additional veggies or proteins as desired.