Description
Tortellini Pesto Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, and aromatic pesto. Perfect for picnics or family gatherings, it’s a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula (chopped)
- ¼ cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini cooks, slice cherry tomatoes in half and chop spinach or arugula into bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts until golden brown and fragrant, about three minutes. Shake occasionally to prevent burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked tortellini to the bowl with tomatoes and greens. Drizzle generously with pesto sauce and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top.
- Mix Well: Gently toss everything together until well coated in pesto. Taste for seasoning; add salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve Up!: Transfer to plates or a large serving bowl. Optionally top with extra mozzarella balls for added creaminess and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg