Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy all types of salads. This tortellini pasta salad recipe is my new favorite! Filled with cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a delicious pesto dressing, it’s perfect for a summer picnic or cookout. Give it a try – you will love having this dish on hand!

I told you you will love this Basil Pesto with Walnuts Recipe!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Looking for a summer side dish that won’t heat up your kitchen? Tortellini pasta salad is the perfect solution! This recipe is easy to make and can be adapted to include your favorite ingredients. So why not give it a try today? You’ll be glad you did!

  • This easy tortellini pasta salad is one of my go-to recipes for summertime gatherings.
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time, which is always a bonus in my book!
  • The combination of pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese is absolutely delicious and comes together in just a few minutes.

If you’re looking for a simple, yet tasty pasta salad recipe, that the whole family will love this is the one for you!

Tortellini pesto salad in a blue serving bowl topped with red tomatoes.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You only need a handful of kitchen tools to help you make this fresh salad recipe. Gather these tools and you will have a delicious salad in no time at all.

  • large pot
  • skewers – optional
  • large bowl

INGREDIENTS

You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe! All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, after one quick trip to the store you will be enjoying this delicious fresh salad recipe.

  • cheese tortellini (I used fresh), but you can use any type of filling or if your feeling adventurous make homemade tortellini.
  • cherry tomatoes (melody)
  • mini mozzarella balls
  • basil leaves
  • homemade pesto (or jarred)
  • Basil Pesto with Walnuts
  • fresh basil leaves for skewers
  • salt and pepper to taste

Definitely not worth the expense. Oh and by the way, my Basil Pesto with Walnuts is way better!

Homemade pesto sauce in a clear small glass bowl.

HOW TO MAKE THIS TORTELLINI PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Making this easy pasta salad is so simple. Follow the directions below and you will have a delicious salad in no time at all. This Italian tortellini salad is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and family parties.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE TORTELLINI ACCORDING TO THE PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare tortellini according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep pasta in a medium bowl and cool in the refrigerator.

STEP 2: ADD OLIVES, TOMATOES, AND MOZZARELLA BALLS

Add olives, tomatoes, and mini mozzarella balls to the tortellini.

STEP 3: FOLD IN THE PESTO

Fold in pesto 2 tablespoons at a time until all ingredients are lightly dressed.

FOR TORTELLINI SKEWERS

STEP 1: ASSEMBLE THE SKEWERS

Thread kalamata olives, tortellini, tomatoes, and mini mozzarella balls with fresh basil on wooden skewers.

STEP 2: SERVE WITH FRESH PESTO FOR DIPPING

Serve with fresh pesto on the side for dipping.

Tortellini skewers with pesto on the side.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TORTELLINI PASTA SALAD

There are so many different things that you can serve with this delicious side dish recipe. Here is a small list of my favorites.

You may also enjoy Keto Chicken Thighs or fried chicken.

Top view of tortellini pasta salad in a blue bowl with pesto on the side.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

If you are looking to change up this perfect side dish recipe a bit, here are a few ideas.

  • Try different types of pasta – This recipe would be just as delicious as any type of small pasta. Try bowtie pasta, farfalle pasta, or even elbow macaroni!
  • Add different fresh veggies – Try adding chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, black olives, artichoke hearts, diced red onion, or green onions.
  • Make it a main dish – Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a meal.
  • Add more flavor – You can add additional flavor by adding, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, feta cheese, parmesan cheese, black pepper, red wine vinegar, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  • Dressing – Instead of using pesto, you could also use a homemade vinaigrette, olive oil, or store-bought zesty Italian dressing.

There are so many different ways that you can adapt this recipe to fit your taste. So why not give it a try today? I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

PHOTO SEPTEMBER 2014

HOW TO STORE

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad as the pasta will become mushy.

FAQS

Do you have questions about this Italian pasta salad recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about this easy recipe.

Can tortellini be eaten cold?

Yes, tortellini can be eaten cold. This is one of the reasons why I love this amazing recipe so much! You can make it ahead of time and it will still taste great the next day.

Can you make tortellini salad the day before?

Yes, you can make tortellini salad the day before. I would recommend adding the dressing just before serving though. This will help keep the pasta from becoming mushy.

Tortellini pasta is bad if it has a sour smell or if the pasta is mushy. If you are unsure, it is always best to throw it out. do you know if tortellini is bad?

Tortellini Pesto Salad - The Foodie Affair
PHOTO SEPTEMBER 2014

OTHER GREAT RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY

Strawberry Spinach Salad
Tortellini Mac and Cheese
Bucatini pasta with sausage and kale

Tortellini pesto salad with basil and tomatoes in a blue serving dish.

Tortellini Pesto Salad

Mediterranean inspired fresh ingredients; cheese tortellini, kalamata olives, tomatoes, basil and homemade pesto sauce. Delicious side dish or appetizer idea.
4.67 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pasta salad with tortellini, Tortellini pesto salad, tortellini salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 446kcal
Author: Sandra Shaffer

Ingredients

  • 1 12 ounce package cheese tortellini I used fresh cooked according to packaged directions
  • 1 cup kalamata olives pitted
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes melody
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls
  • 1/2 cup Basil Pesto with Walnuts
  • fresh basil leaves for skewers
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare tortellini according to manufacture's instructions. Keep pasta in a medium bowl and cool in the refrigerator.
  • Add olives, tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls to the tortellini.
  • Fold in pesto 2 tablespoons at a time until all ingredients are lightly dressed.
  • For Tortellini Skewers
  • Thread kalamata olives, tortellini, tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls with fresh basil on wooden skewers.
  • Serve with fresh pesto on the side for dipping.

Notes

If you can't find mozzarella balls, dice a block of mozzarella into bite size chunks.
Cherry or grape tomatoes can be used in place of the melody version.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 782mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

This recipe was first shared September, 2014. It has been updated with new photos and updated content June, 2022. The recipe has been unchanged.

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17 Comments

  1. Thanks, Heidy! Oh, I wish I knew which year that Pyrex bowl is from and glad you noticed it’s an oldie. I was so excited when I found it. Love dishes in general, but super thrilled to find a brown bowl!

  2. I sure wish my basil crop was thriving! Our strange summer weather and my black thumb did it in early. But I’m willing to buy some to make you scrumptious pasta salad!

  3. I still remember your bright and vibrant pesto you made a few posts back. I bet everyone at work was drooling over your lunch whilst they were eating some greasy bad Chinese take out… Fun lunch on a stick.