This Pesto Tortellini Salad is the perfect summer pasta dish and it can be ready on the table in just 15 minutes! Serve it for lunch or dinner on its own or with your favorite protein like chicken or salmon. It also makes a great side for summer garden parties and BBQs!
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
Perfect for spring and summer - This tortellini salad is perfect for when you're craving pasta but don't want to make any heavy sauces or a hot meal. The fresh crispy veggies and bright basil pesto pair perfectly with the cheesy tortellini!
Done in 15 minutes - Most tortellini only need 2-5 minutes to cook and chopping up the veggies takes only about 10 minutes so this whole meal comes together in just 15 minutes! It's the perfect lunch to make ahead for work or a quick dinner to whip up on a weeknight.
No lettuce salad - We all love a good leafy green salad but if you're craving something a little heartier that's still full of fresh chopped veggies, I got you! No greens means this salad stores better in the fridge without everything wilting down and it's easier to transport when you want to take it to work or school for lunch.
Versatile - You can make this tortellini salad your own by adding roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes. You could also add feta, quick pickled red onions, greens, or sprouts. You can also use gluten-free or dairy-free tortellini if needed.
Ingredients
- Tortellini - Small cheese-filled tortellini is ideal for this salad. Use gluten-free tortellini where needed.
- Veggies - You'll need cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and a red onion. Fresh crispy veggies balance out the cheesy pasta really well.
- Kalamata olives - Kalamata olives go great with all the flavors in this salad but green or black olives also work. If you don't like olives, you can add Quick Pickled Red Onions instead for a similar briny flavor.
- Pesto sauce - You can use homemade pesto or store-bought. I opted for store-bought pesto to save time. Try to use one made with olive oil, not canola or other oils.
- Lemon - Freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest add freshness to the pasta salad.
- Pecorino cheese - This one is optional but it adds some extra cheesiness and saltiness. If you don't have pecorino, you can also use parmesan cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
- Roasted vegetables - This pasta salad would be delicious with some added roasted veggies! Try it with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. You could also add roasted or sauteed mushrooms!
- Regular pasta - If you don't have tortellini, you could totally turn this into a simple pasta salad with any small pasta shape.
- Different stuffed pasta - The recipe is meant for cheese-filled tortellini but any stuffed pasta works here. I like using smaller shapes as they're easier to eat in a salad like this.
- Onion - If you don't have red onion, you can use shallots or spring onions (scallions). I'm not a big fan of yellow or white onions in salads but they also work in a pinch.
- Artichoke hearts - Marinated artichoke hearts would make a delicious addition to this salad.
- Pine nuts - Toss in some toasted pine nuts for added crunch!
- Sun-dried tomatoes - Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes will add a ton of flavor to the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions (approx. 2-6 minutes).
- Drain, rinse, and add the tortellini to a large mixing bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, kalamata olives, pesto, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together until the pesto is well incorporated. Add the grated pecorino cheese if using and toss gently again.
- Serve sprinkled with extra pecorino, black pepper, fresh basil, or a lemon wedge on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Main dish - This salad comes together in just 15 minutes making it a great weeknight dinner! It's filling enough to be served on its own but you could also stretch it by adding your favorite protein like roasted chicken or fish like salmon.
Side - This pasta salad also makes the perfect side dish. It's great served at summer picnics or summer parties, along with other salads or things from the grill, where everyone can grab what they like.
Storing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Since this salad has no lettuce, it stores pretty well and is just as delicious the next day as right after you make it!
FAQs
Yes! Pasta salads store very well in general and this one can be made one or two days ahead if needed.
Tortellini will last 3-5 days in the fridge when stored properly. Vegetables with high water content like tomatoes and cucumbers will release water as they sit and degrade more quickly so I recommend eating the salad within 4 days.
More Cold Pasta Salads
If you're looking for other new pasta salad recipes, check out the three liked below! The tuna pasta salad is my favorite! Head to Pasta Recipes to see all the latest recipes.
- Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad (no mayo)
- Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad (perfect for spring)
- Greek Orzo Salad (basically a Greek salad but with orzo)
📖 Recipe
Pesto Tortellini Salad
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pesto Tortellini Salad is the perfect summer pasta dish. Serve it for lunch or for dinner with your favorite protein like chicken or salmon. It also makes a great side for summer garden parties and BBQs!
Ingredients
- 300g cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups diced cucumber (½ large cucumber or 3 small)
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped (½ cup)
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup pesto
- Juice and zest of ½ lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp grated pecorino or parmesan cheese (optional, plus more for serving)
- For serving: grated pecorino, black pepper, fresh basil, lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions (approx. 2-6 minutes).
- Drain, rinse, and add the tortellini to a large mixing bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, kalamata olives, pesto, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together until the pesto is well incorporated. Add the pecorino if using and toss gently again.
- Serve with extra pecorino, black pepper, fresh basil, or a lemon wedge on the side.
Notes
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Bernice says
I've planted extra basil seedlings this year JUST so I can make batches of pesto in the fall. I use it throughout the year to make all the pasta dishes including this salad. It's always a winner at family barbecues.
Kathryn says
So many delicious and fresh flavors in this. Love it for lunch and dinner! Sometimes I add chicken for extra protein and its delicious.
Leslie says
I am in love with this recipe! It comes together so quickly and is a perfect side dish to take to a gathering! This one is a keeper!
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
How can I tell you this? I love pesto, tortellini, salad, and one-bowl meals. You made my day with this recipe. I'm running to Costco to buy tortellini NOW!
DK says
This pasta salad is the perfect summer lunch! We made it for our picnic the other day and it was fabulous!
Jacqueline Debono says
I love this tortellini salad recipe. It's similar to my pesto new potato salad I usually make with homemade pesto, but using tortellini makes it more of a meal! Super recipe!
Tammy says
What a fabulous warm weather salad! I love tortellini and the pesto is a delicious addition for the season...looks so bright and delicious!
Jamie says
I brought this tortellini salad to a potluck and everyone loved it! It was so quick and easy to make and the flavor was delicious. Thank you!
LaKita says
This tortellini salad is fresh, filling, and delicious! I love how simple it was to make. I made it last night and added in some grilled chicken and it was amazing!!
Giangi Townsend says
I love all the flavors, and this will be perfect for Mother's Day brunch. I have a question: can I use shallots instead of red onion? Thank you for the recipe.