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vibrant pesto tortellini pasta salad recipe - Vibrant Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Vibrant Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

vibrant pesto tortellini pasta salad recipe made easy at home. A colorful, make-ahead pasta salad bursting with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh moz
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 20 oz fresh cheese tortellini or refrigerated
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls drained
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Dressing
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto homemade or good-quality store-bought
  • 1 lemon juice of
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking, and let cool completely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, toasted pine nuts, and torn basil. Pour dressing over and toss gently until everything is coated.
  5. Top with shaved Parmesan and extra basil. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Allow to come to room temperature for best flavor.