Print

Creamy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

creamy pesto tortellini pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, flavorful pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini tossed in a rich basil pesto dressing, perfect for family potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Let drain thoroughly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup basil pesto, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cups chopped fresh spinach, and 1/4 cup diced red onion if using.
  5. Pour the creamy pesto dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold with a spatula until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and dressing thicken slightly.
  7. Before serving, gently stir the salad and optionally garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Do not overcook the tortellini to keep it al dente. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent gummy texture. Whisk pesto with mayo and sour cream before mixing with pasta for even coating. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor. For thinner pesto dressing, add a teaspoon or two of water or olive oil. Salad tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta salad, creamy tortellini salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, basil pesto, cheese tortellini

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/creamy-pesto-tortellini-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-for-family-potlucks/