Fresh Tortellini Pesto Salad with Mozzarella and Tomatoes
This Fresh Tortellini Pesto Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that's perfect for any potluck or summer gathering. Packed with delicious flavors from the chewy cheese tortellini, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, this salad is tossed in a vibrant basil pesto for an extra burst of herby goodness. Easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes, it's a hassle-free recipe that can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Substitute roasted red peppers for a different twist or enjoy it as is - either way, this salad will be a hit!
N/A
Servings
262.5
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
tomatoes
4 (chopped and seeded)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 (9 ounce) packages (cooked according to package instructions)
refrigerated pesto sauce
1 (7 ounce) container (approximately 1 cup)
mozzarella cheese
2 cups (cubed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the tomatoes: chop and seed them, then place them in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside to allow the flavors to develop.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, seasoned tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and the refrigerated pesto sauce.
4
Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well-coated and evenly combined.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least two hours or ideally, overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss once more. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
14.75g
Fat
19.75g
Carbs
11.625g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fresh Tortellini Pesto Salad?
It is a refreshing pasta salad made with cheese tortellini, tomatoes, and mozzarella tossed in a vibrant basil pesto.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The recipe can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes of active preparation time.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for any potluck or summer gathering.
What type of tortellini should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for two 9-ounce packages of refrigerated cheese tortellini.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
You should use 4 tomatoes that have been chopped and seeded before seasoning them with salt and pepper.
When should I season the tomatoes?
Season the tomatoes right after chopping and seeding them to allow the flavors to develop.
How do I cook the tortellini?
Cook the tortellini in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water immediately stops the cooking process to maintain the desired texture.
What kind of pesto is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses one 7-ounce container of refrigerated pesto sauce, which is approximately 1 cup.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
You will need 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The mozzarella cheese should be cut into cubes.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Combine the cooked tortellini, seasoned tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, and pesto in a large bowl and gently toss until well-coated.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least two hours or ideally overnight.
Why is it recommended to refrigerate the salad overnight?
Refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully for a better taste.
What temperature should the salad be served at?
For the best flavor, the salad should be served at room temperature.
Can I substitute the tomatoes in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute roasted red peppers for the tomatoes for a different flavor twist.
Is this tortellini salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized under vegetarian dishes.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 262.5 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
The salad contains 19.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
The salad provides 11.625g of protein per serving.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, it is a hassle-free recipe that can be prepared in advance to let the flavors meld.
Is this salad considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal because of its short preparation time.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the salad one last gentle toss before serving to ensure even coating.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried tortellini?
The recipe calls for refrigerated tortellini, which is generally fresher than dried versions.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 5 main ingredients: tomatoes, salt and pepper, tortellini, pesto sauce, and mozzarella.
Is the salad herby?
Yes, the vibrant basil pesto provides a burst of herby goodness.
Can I add extra seasoning?
The recipe suggests seasoning the tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, its ability to be made in advance makes it a perfect choice for potlucks.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is herby, creamy, and fresh, highlighting pesto, cheese, and tomatoes.