Zesty Pesto Tortellini Salad
This Zesty Pesto Tortellini Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The tender cheese tortellini pairs beautifully with crunchy zucchini and sweet grape tomatoes, all brought together by a creamy basil pesto dressing. Whether served hot as a comforting meal or chilled as a refreshing salad, this dish is a staple in my kitchen. I often whip this up when my husband is traveling, and it provides me with delicious leftovers for days. Feel free to customize the recipe by swapping in pine nuts for walnuts if you prefer! This low-cholesterol dish is not just satisfying; it’s also packed with nutrients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cheese tortellini
9 ounces (uncooked)
zucchini
1 medium (cut in half lengthwise and sliced)
grape tomatoes
1 cup (cut into halves)
mayonnaise
1/3 cup
basil pesto
1/4 cup
garlic clove
1 (minced)
walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped and toasted)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, basil pesto, and minced garlic until well combined.
3
Fold in the cooled tortellini, sliced zucchini, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped walnuts. Mix gently to avoid breaking the tortellini.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt and pepper to your preference.
5
You can serve the salad immediately for a warm dish or cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy cold or at room temperature!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Pesto Tortellini Salad?
It is a flavorful pasta salad made with cheese tortellini, zucchini, grape tomatoes, and a creamy basil pesto dressing.
What type of tortellini should I use?
The recipe calls for 9 ounces of uncooked cheese tortellini.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prepare the zucchini for this salad?
The zucchini should be cut in half lengthwise and then sliced.
Can I substitute walnuts with something else?
Yes, you can swap the walnuts for pine nuts if you prefer.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, basil pesto, and minced garlic.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
It can be served immediately as a warm dish or chilled for at least 30 minutes and served cold.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
If serving cold, let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it provides delicious leftovers for several days.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as being a low-cholesterol dish.
How do I cook the tortellini?
Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Why do I need to rinse the tortellini under cold water?
Rinsing stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down for the salad.
What size zucchini is needed?
One medium-sized zucchini is sufficient for this recipe.
How should I prepare the grape tomatoes?
The grape tomatoes should be cut into halves.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you would need to use vegan tortellini, vegan mayonnaise, and a dairy-free pesto.
What kind of pesto is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of basil pesto.
How much garlic is included?
One minced garlic clove is used in the dressing.
Should the walnuts be toasted?
Yes, the 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts should be toasted for better flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, the recipe is customizable and you can add other vegetables as you like.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: tortellini, zucchini, grape tomatoes, mayonnaise, pesto, garlic, and walnuts.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen cheese tortellini works as long as it is cooked according to its package instructions.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and is very easy to assemble.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
While the recipe calls for mayo, you could substitute Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.
What is a good side for this salad?
This is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients and is suitable for healthy eating and low-cholesterol diets.
Can I use dried basil instead of pesto?
It is recommended to use pesto to achieve the intended creamy texture and concentrated basil flavor.
What type of cheese is in the tortellini?
The recipe uses standard cheese-filled tortellini.
Does this recipe contain any meat?
No, this is a meat-free recipe.