Name: Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 20 ounce bag cheese tortellini; 1 cup pesto; 1 and 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (sliced in half ); 1 12 ounce container marinated mozzarella balls (drained ); 1/4 cup red onion (diced )

This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe is ready in 10 minutes! Made with grocery store cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red onion thinly sliced, mozzarella, and pesto. Just cook the tortellini, place everything in a large bowl, and toss to combine. The perfect easy pasta salad for parties, picnics, and potlucks!

Easy Pasta Salad: Tortellini Pasta Edition

Pesto tortellini salad is one of the best summer meals! We make it at least once a week. It’s so easy and straight-up irresistible. We brought a large bowl to a 4th of July party and it was the first dish to go! It literally disappeared in minutes.

But It’s also great for everyday lunch and dinner. Add chicken or shrimp, use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes, or toss in bell peppers for an extra veggie kick. This easy pasta salad is so versatile!

Why you’ll Love this Tortellini Salad

Full of fresh summer flavor, this easy pasta salad is so colorful and festive
Barely no cooking required… just cook the tortellini and toss everything in a large bowl
You can easily double or triple it as needed
Always a big hit at parties and potlucks
Made with 5 simple ingredients you can grab at the grocery store
Incredibly versatile and forgiving
Kids love this salad as much as adults

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe: Ingredients

Cheese Tortellini: I prefer cheese tortellini for this pasta salad recipe. But if you prefer using a flavored tortellini, go for it. Use any brand you enjoy the quality of.
Pesto: You can use homemade or grocery store basil pesto. Or try my super healthy spinach basil pesto, which is vegan and made without parmesan cheese. Or try a sun dried tomato pesto.
Cherry Tomatoes: But in a pinch, chopped whole tomato or even sundried tomatoes will work!
Red Onion: I like my red onion finely diced. But feel free to do your red onion thinly sliced, if you prefer. If you’re not a fan of onion, feel free to omit. Or replace it with red bell pepper or even roasted red peppers.
Mozzarella Cheese Balls: You can usually find these in the cheese case at the grocery store. If you can’t find the the variety marinated in olive oil, the ones in water will work. Just drain them well.

Don’t Cook the Tortellini According to Package Instructions

I repeat, do NOT cook tortellini according to package instructions.
Instead, bring a large pot of water a rolling boil. If you’re using fresh cheese tortellini (not dried pasta), boil for exactly 1 and 1/2 minutes. Then drain and rinse with cold water. This is the best way to cook the tortellini for tortellini salad.
Place tortellini pasta in a large bowl. Then use as directed in this recipe!

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad

Cook the Tortellini: As directed above, do not cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Fresh pasta tortellini – found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store – will be done in less than 2 minutes.
Drain the Tortellini Pasta: Drain from the hot water right away then rinse under cold water. This might seem strange, but it actually helps stop the pasta from continuing to cook.
Grab a Large Bowl: Then add your cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil pesto, and cheese. Toss to combine and serve!

What to Serve with Tortellini Pasta Salad?

This is delicious and hearty enough to serve on its own! But you can also pair it with fruit, grilled veggies, sandwiches, meat, or even fish. Below are a few favorite recipes to serve with tortellini pasta salad:

Can I make Pasta Salad ahead of Time?

As long as you don’t overcook the tortellini, this pasta salad is 100% make ahead friendly.
Make this tortellini salad up to 48 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge until needed (because it contains dairy).
You can enjoy this east pasta salad cold or at room temperature. I don’t suggest eating it warm or heating it in a microwave or on the stovetop.

How long will Pasta Salad Last?

This pesto tortellini salad will keep, out of the fridge, for about 2 hours. Keep it out of direct sunlight, and toss to combine occasionally to keep it looking fresh.
Lucky enough to have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 2 to 3 days.
Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it everyday for lunch! Or try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas on top for a heartier meal.
I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
If you keep it out of the fridge for more than 2 and 1/2 hours, I recommend discarding any leftovers.

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