This pesto tortellini salad is perfect for summer picnics or potlucks! Made with just 6 ingredients and ready in less than 15 minutes, this is a recipe you'll turn to again and again.
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This pesto tortellini salad is another gem from my deli days. As a poor, newlywed college student I could pack a sample tasting cup with this salad and not have to pay for my "lunch."
It was always a favorite, and years after leaving the job I found myself wanting to recreate it. Turns out it's pretty easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes!
This has become my standard for potlucks because I know I'll always have something filling and delicious to eat, and it feeds a lot of people. You can also help it stretch by adding a little extra tortellini or other ingredients without messing anything up.
Pasta salad, no mayo
Finally, I love that this is a pasta salad with no mayonnaise, meaning you don't need to worry about it sitting out on a hot summer day. I would still recommend enjoying it within 2 hours of setting it out, but until then you're worry free.
Ingredients
- Cheese tortellini
- Roasted red peppers
- Grape tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
- Pesto
- Basil
How to make pesto tortellini pasta salad
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water until cooled. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Serve cold.
Top tips
Use homemade pesto
It's fine to use store bought pesto, but if you're able to make it yourself you'll have the best flavor that you can easily control to suit your tastes. Check out my customization options below for other pesto flavors to try in this salad!
Don't overcook the pasta
Tortellini cooks fast, so make sure you check your package and follow the cooking time. If you overcook the pasta it will become too soft and may break apart when you stir your salad.
Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water
Rinsing the tortellini with cold water after cooking and draining will help stop the cooking process, clean off the sticky starch, and cool the pasta down so you can mix it with the other ingredients. Be sure to let it drain well so you don't have a watery salad.
How to store
Tortellini pasta salad should be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing this because of the fresh tomatoes.
Tips for customizing pesto tortellini salad
- Add bocconcini or fresh mozzarella pearls
- Add thinly sliced red onion, canned baby artichokes, toasted pine nuts, or chopped fresh spinach
- If your tomatoes are small you can leave them whole, or swap them for sun dried tomatoes
- Half the recipe if serving a smaller crowd (use the slider in the recipe card to do this easily!)
- Swap the homemade basil pesto for spinach pesto, pistachio pesto, or walnut arugula pesto
FAQ
Yes, this pesto pasta salad is meant to be eaten cold, although you could also warm it up if you prefer.
Most parmesan cheese is not vegetarian because it is made with animal rennet. If this is important to you, look for a parmesan made with vegetable rennet.
Yes, you can make this recipe up to 4 days in advance and it still tastes great (maybe even better!).
More salad recipes
- Greek Orzo Salad
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad
- Israeli Couscous Salad
- Caesar Pasta Salad
- Vegan Potluck Barley Salad
- The Best Easy Vegan Salad
- Pizza Salad
- High Protein Vegan Salad with Hummus
- Burrata Caprese
- Panzanella
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Pesto Tortellini Salad
Ingredients
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chopped roasted red pepper, if jarred in oil, drained and patted dry
- ¾ cup shaved Parmesan
- 7 ounces basil pesto
- ½ cup loosely packed basil, torn
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water until cooled. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Serve cold.
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
I could eat pesto on everything!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Tortellini salads are always a hit at our house! I need to add this to our menu soon!
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
Pesto is my favorite pasta sauce...your tortellini salad sounds fab!
Lindsay Moe says
Thanks Cynthia!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
This salad looks amazing!! I could eat pesto every day. Also, great idea for not paying for your lunch!
Lindsay Moe says
Thanks Cathleen!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Such an appetizing salad, Lindsay! Very mouth-watering!