Pasta salad was always my favorite dish at family gatherings, especially the kind my aunt used to make — colorful, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Over time, I created my own go-to version with cheese tortellini, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a generous spoon of pesto. It’s so simple, yet so satisfying.
If you’re a fan of refreshing bowls like high-protein pasta salad or creamy beef and bowtie pasta, this one is sure to become a staple. Best of all? It takes just 15 minutes and five ingredients.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
This recipe uses only what you need for bold, bright flavor in every bite. The cheese tortellini is soft and comforting. Cherry tomatoes and fire-roasted red peppers add freshness. And the creamy mozzarella pearls bring it all together with that rich basil pesto coating everything beautifully.
For a chilled lunch or an easy side next to mains like sausage broccoli pasta or Mexican macaroni salad, this dish is always a win.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor in This Tortellini Salad
When a dish tastes amazing and only uses five ingredients, you know you’ve found something special. That’s exactly what this pesto tortellini pasta salad offers. Each item adds something unique — from creamy to zesty — and works together without needing extras.
A Look at the 5 Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cheese tortellini: Soft, savory, and full of creamy flavor. It’s the heart of this dish.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and fresh, they add a burst of brightness in every bite.
- Fire-roasted red peppers: These bring a smoky-sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Mozzarella pearls: Creamy, rich, and just the right size to mix into every forkful.
- Basil pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, it ties the whole salad together with bold, herby flavor.
You can find all five easily in your local store, and once you taste them combined, you’ll realize no extra dressing is needed.
PrintPesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe That Will Make You Smile
A fresh and flavorful pesto tortellini pasta salad with just five ingredients. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Boil and Toss
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cheese tortellini pasta
- Cherry tomatoes – halved
- Fire-roasted red peppers – drained and chopped
- Mozzarella pearls
- Basil pesto – homemade or store-bought
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add cheese tortellini and cook per package instructions (3–5 mins).
3. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Set aside in bowl.
4. Chop roasted red peppers and halve cherry tomatoes.
5. Combine cooled tortellini, red peppers, tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
6. Add basil pesto and toss until evenly coated.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prep this salad up to 3 days in advance.
- Add peas, feta, or grilled vegetables to change up the flavor.
- Pairs well with grilled chicken or served as a light meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Why Basil Pesto Is the Secret Hero in This Salad
Pesto isn’t just a dressing here — it’s the magic. Its mix of basil, garlic, and Parmesan coats the pasta beautifully and adds layers of flavor. It’s also what helps this salad pair well with dishes like pasta al pesto or the refreshing Mexican street corn pasta salad.
And whether you’re using store-bought or a fresh homemade blend, pesto makes this tortellini salad taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did — and that’s a win.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Delicious Tortellini Salad
You don’t need fancy skills or special equipment to make this. Just a pot, a bowl, and about 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a total weeknight (or picnic) hero.
Cooking and Cooling the Tortellini Without Overdoing It
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it hits a rolling boil, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package — usually 3 to 5 minutes is all it takes. You want them tender, not mushy.
Drain the tortellini and give them a quick rinse under cool water. This stops the cooking and prevents sticking. Then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Mixing It All Together for the Perfect Bite Every Time
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes and chop your drained fire-roasted red peppers. These add color and a perfect flavor balance to the richness of the cheese tortellini.
Now toss those veggies into the bowl along with the mozzarella pearls. Finally, add a few heaping spoonfuls of basil pesto — just enough to coat everything evenly.
Give it all a gentle toss until the salad is coated in pesto and looks colorful and glossy. Serve it right away at room temperature or refrigerate it for a chilled option later. Either way, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish.
This easy recipe works wonderfully alongside grinder pasta salad or chicken pasta for a complete summer spread.
Making It Your Own: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Variations
What makes this pesto tortellini pasta salad stand out — besides its flavor — is how flexible it is. Whether you’re tossing it together for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a weekend gathering, it adapts with ease. And you can keep the five core ingredients or switch things up based on what you like.
Creamy, Feta, and Pea Variations You’ll Love
Let’s say you want a richer version of your pesto tortellini pasta salad. Just add a little Greek yogurt or a touch of mayo when mixing in the pesto. This creates a creamy pesto tortellini pasta salad that still keeps that fresh, herby flavor without being too heavy.
Craving something tangier? Swap the mozzarella for crumbled feta. A pesto tortellini pasta salad with feta adds a salty twist and layers beautifully with sweet cherry tomatoes. It also holds up well if you’re making the salad in advance.
Green peas are another great add-in. Toss in a handful to create a tortellini pesto salad with peas — perfect for spring or anytime you want a little extra color and sweetness in your bowl.
You can also mix in grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus, which blend right in with the pesto and tortellini. That’s what makes this pesto tortellini pasta salad recipe such a winner — it’s simple and endlessly customizable. It’s right at home next to favorites like mezzaluna pasta or lemon artichoke pasta salad.
How to Serve Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad at Every Occasion
This is the kind of dish that fits in everywhere. You can serve your pesto tortellini pasta salad as a light lunch, a BBQ side, or even a last-minute dinner. It’s quick to prep and easy to transport.
When served chilled, this pasta salad gets better as it sits. The pesto soaks into the tortellini, and the mozzarella pearls soften into the mix. Right before serving, give your pesto tortellini pasta salad a gentle toss to wake everything back up.
For potlucks or picnics, it travels well and doesn’t need to stay hot or ice-cold. It’s just as good at room temp. Pair it with something hearty like pesto chicken pasta or round it out with a lighter option like grinder pasta salad.
Whatever the occasion, a bright, flavorful pesto tortellini pasta salad is one dish your guests will remember.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re packing lunch, prepping a side dish, or making something quick for dinner, this pesto tortellini pasta salad is always a good idea. With just five ingredients and a ton of flavor, it’s proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll love how it fits into any occasion — and your guests will keep asking for the recipe. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it truly is a salad that will make you smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barefoot Contessa’s take on tortellini salad?
While there’s no official Barefoot Contessa tortellini salad recipe, you can create a similar style using cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula, tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. If you love bold, fresh flavors, our pesto tortellini pasta salad offers a vibrant twist with roasted peppers and basil pesto.
How do I make pesto tortellini pasta salad with feta?
To make a pesto tortellini pasta salad with feta, simply replace the mozzarella pearls with crumbled feta cheese. It adds a tangy kick that complements the sweet cherry tomatoes and rich pesto beautifully. This version is perfect for those who enjoy Mediterranean-style salads.
What makes a creamy pesto tortellini pasta salad?
A creamy pesto tortellini pasta salad usually includes a spoonful of mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt stirred into the pesto before tossing it with the pasta. It gives the dish a silky texture and a slightly tangy flavor, perfect for potlucks or chill-and-serve meals.
Can I add peas to my tortellini pesto salad?
Yes, adding peas creates a tortellini pesto salad with peas that’s fresh, colorful, and lightly sweet. Just toss in thawed frozen peas with your other ingredients. They pair well with the creamy tortellini and bright pesto flavor, making the salad even more satisfying.
