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Pasta salads are a wonderful addition to any meal, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can easily be customized to suit individual tastes. One such vibrant and delicious option is the Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. This dish not only showcases the rich, aromatic essence of pesto but also combines the creamy goodness of cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation methods, and tips for creating the perfect Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad.

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Discover the vibrant and delicious Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad, perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. This recipe combines creamy cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and aromatic pesto for a delightful blend of flavors. Easy to customize, it can cater to various dietary needs while offering a nutritious balance of carbs, healthy fats, and protein. Learn how to create this colorful dish with step-by-step instructions and tips to impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz cheese tortellini

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup Italian dressing

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell pepper for extra crunch

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini is cooking, wash and prepare the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and bell pepper (if using). Place them all in a large mixing bowl.

      Mix the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the pesto sauce, Italian dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

        Combine Everything: Add the cooked and cooled tortellini to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the pesto-dressing mixture over the pasta and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. If using pine nuts, sprinkle them over the top.

          Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature.

            Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings