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Creamy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

creamy pesto tortellini pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini tossed in a creamy homemade pesto dressing with fresh, crisp veggies. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. In a food processor, combine 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a splash of water or olive oil if dressing is too thick.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, finely chop 1 small red bell pepper, and dice 2 tablespoons red onion. Keep pieces roughly the same size.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, fresh veggies, and 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the creamy pesto dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly, using a folding motion to avoid breaking the tortellini.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, gently toss again and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinsing tortellini with cold water after cooking stops the cooking process and prevents mushiness. Prepare veggies the day before and keep dressing and pasta separate until serving to avoid sogginess. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. For vegan or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta salad, creamy pesto, tortellini salad, easy pasta salad, fresh veggie salad, potluck recipe, picnic salad

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-pesto-tortellini-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-veggies-delight/