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Pasta salads have long been celebrated for their versatility and ease of preparation, making them a favorite choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Whether you're looking for a delightful side dish or a stand-alone meal, pasta salads can be customized to fit any occasion. One standout among these is the Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish that marries the rich flavors of cheese tortellini with the fresh, aromatic notes of pesto and the crunch of seasonal vegetables. This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect addition to summer picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad with this easy-to-follow recipe. Combining rich cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables, aromatic basil, and creamy pesto, this dish is perfect for summer potlucks or family gatherings. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also offers a refreshing taste that delights the palate. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a unique twist. Perfect served cold or at room temperature, it's both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy creating this culinary delight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz cheese tortellini

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup Italian dressing

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted for added crunch

Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell pepper for extra color and texture

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, typically about 3-5 minutes until they are al dente. Once done, drain the tortellini and immediately rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini is cooking, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. If using, dice the bell pepper. Add all prepared ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

      Mix the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, combine the pesto sauce, Italian dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is well blended and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper to suit your preferences.

        Combine Everything: Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the pesto dressing over the entire mixture. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing. If you’re using pine nuts, sprinkle them over the top for a delightful crunch.

          Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

            Garnish: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings

                  Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad!