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Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad

Delightful Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad Ready in 15 Minutes

Enjoy a refreshing Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad, combining cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto, perfect for quick meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 18 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini Substitution: Use gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes Substitute with diced regular tomatoes if preferred.
  • 1 cucumber Substitution: Zucchini can be used for a different texture.
  • 1 small red onion Substitution: Green onions for a milder taste.
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls Note: Feta cheese can be used for a tangy twist.
  • 1 cup arugula Substitution: Spinach can replace arugula.
  • 1 cup baby spinach Note: Can be replaced with kale.
  • ½ cup sliced black olives Substitution: Use green olives for a different flavor profile.
For the Dressing
  • cup basil pesto Note: Store-bought pesto is convenient; homemade is even better.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Tip: Adjust seasoning after tossing ingredients for best results.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 18 oz of refrigerated cheese tortellini to the water and cook them according to package directions, typically around 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface.
  2. After cooking, carefully drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
  3. Transfer the drained tortellini into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Next, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1 small diced red onion to the bowl with the tortellini.
  5. Incorporate 8 oz of drained mozzarella pearls, 1 cup of arugula, and 1 cup of baby spinach into the mix.
  6. Toss in ½ cup of sliced black olives and pour in 1¼ cup of basil pesto.
  7. Taste your salad and season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance for flavors to deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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