Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Chilled Pesto Tortellini Salad, perfect for warm days or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
- Add the pesto sauce and olive oil to the bowl. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Substitute the pesto with a vinaigrette or your favorite dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg