Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

The perfect side dish, lunch, or light dinner!

When I need a dish for a potluck or backyard barbecue, I almost always reach for pasta salad — and this pesto tortellini pasta salad has become my go-to. It’s easy to pull together, I usually have everything on hand already, and it disappears fast every time I bring it somewhere. Cheese-stuffed tortellini cook up in just a few minutes, and since they’re already filled with cheese, there’s no need to add extra. Toss them with basil pesto, a splash of red wine vinegar, and a handful of crisp vegetables, and you’ve got a vibrant, crowd-pleasing pesto tortellini salad in well under 30 minutes.

This seven-ingredient pasta salad comes together in about 25 minutes, including 15 minutes of resting time to let the flavors meld. It’s a fantastic side dish, but I also love serving it as a light lunch or dinner — just add sauteed shrimp or grilled chicken to turn it into a more filling, protein-packed meal.

Reasons to Love This Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Quick and easy: With just seven ingredients and no oven required, this comes together in one bowl in about 25 minutes.
• No mayo needed: This is a no mayo pasta salad, which means it holds up beautifully outside the fridge — perfect for potlucks, picnics, and buffet tables.
• Make-ahead friendly: Like most cold pasta salad with pesto recipes, the flavor actually improves after a few hours (or overnight) in the fridge.
• Naturally vegetarian: Cheese tortellini means you get plenty of protein and richness without any meat.
• Endlessly customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or add a protein to turn this easy pasta salad recipe into a full meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make This Pesto Tortellini Salad

• 1 pound cheese tortellini, cooked
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced small
• 1 cucumber, diced small
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

How to Make Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

1. Prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain.
2. Add the cooked tortellini to a large bowl along with the basil pesto, red wine vinegar, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
3. Mix well to coat all of the ingredients evenly with the pesto.
4. Let the pasta salad sit for about 15 minutes so the flavors have a chance to combine before serving.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

One of the best things about this tortellini salad with vegetables is how easy it is to make it your own:

• Pesto: Swap in a dairy-free or oil-free pesto, like a spinach-based version, if you want a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Vinegar: No red wine vinegar on hand? White wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice both work well in its place.
• Add protein: Stir in grilled chicken, sauteed shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a more substantial pesto pasta salad recipe for lunch or dinner.
• Add cheese: Fresh mozzarella pearls or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan add extra richness.
• Swap the veggies: Bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or baby spinach are all great additions or substitutions depending on what’s in season.
• Add crunch: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add texture and pair naturally with the basil pesto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tortellini? Tortellini are small, ring-shaped stuffed pasta, similar to ravioli but much smaller. Some varieties are filled with meat, but the cheese tortellini used in this recipe are typically stuffed with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and Romano. You’ll usually find them in the refrigerated or frozen section of the grocery store, though dried tortellini is also available in the pasta aisle.

How long does tortellini take to cook? Cooking times vary by package, but refrigerated tortellini typically cooks in about 3 minutes, frozen tortellini in about 5 minutes, and dried tortellini in about 10 minutes. Always check your package instructions and cook in salted, boiling water.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Yes! This pesto tortellini pasta salad is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare it and store it, covered, in the refrigerator overnight — the flavors only get better as it sits.

How long does pesto tortellini pasta salad last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should keep for up to 3 days.

Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, as written this pesto tortellini salad is vegetarian, since cheese tortellini and basil pesto contain no meat. Just double check your pesto’s ingredient label, since some varieties include anchovies.

Should this pasta salad be served warm or cold? It’s most commonly served cold or at room temperature, which is what makes it such a great potluck pasta salad — but leftovers are also tasty served slightly warmed.

Ways to Serve Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Serve this recipe as a side dish alongside anything you’d typically pair with a classic pasta salad — think sandwiches, grilled meats, pulled pork, barbecue chicken, or a spread of vegetable dishes. Here are a few of our favorite pairings:

Conclusion

This pesto tortellini pasta salad is proof that a handful of simple ingredients can add up to something truly craveable. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, packing it for lunch, or serving it alongside your favorite grilled main, this easy pasta salad recipe is one you’ll want to make on repeat all summer long.

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