Tortellini Pesto Salad Recipe

This tortellini pesto salad is a fresh, vibrant dish loaded with cheesy tortellini, creamy pesto, and crisp veggies. Perfect as a side or a main with chicken. Try this quick and easy pasta chicken pesto salad today.

If you love pesto and pasta, you’re going to be obsessed with this tortellini pesto salad. It is creamy, fresh, and bursting with flavor. So if you are making it for a summer BBQ, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad hits the spot. You can even add chicken for a protein packed twist making it a fantastic pasta chicken pesto salad option. Plus we can remix it for a variety of pesto dishes, like pesto gnocchi recipe or pesto potato variations.

Pesto Tortellini Salad

Pesto tortellini salad is a simple yet flavor packed dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender, cheese filled tortellini coated in a rich, herby pesto sauce, every bite is creamy, fresh, and satisfying. It can be a quick lunch, a side for a BBQ, or a light dinner, it always hits the spot. You can toss it together in minutes using store bought pesto or take it up a notch with homemade sauce. The best part? It is easy to customize. Add grilled chicken for extra protein, throw in some fresh veggies for crunch, or keep it classic with just pasta and pesto. No matter how you make it, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Tortellini Pesto Salad

• Tortellini – Cheese or spinach-filled tortellini work best.
• Pesto Sauce – Homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• Protein Options – Add grilled chicken for a chicken and pesto salad.
• Veggies & Salad – Cherry tomatoes, spinach, red onion, peppers, sugar snap peas and they all add crunch.
• Cheese – Parmesan or mozzarella balls for extra creaminess.
• Nuts – Pine nuts or almonds for texture and crunch.

Pesto Salad Variations & Substitutions

Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

If you are a fan of soft, pillowy pasta, swap out the tortellini for gnocchi. These little potato dumplings soak up the pesto beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish. You can use store bought gnocchi for convenience or make your own for an extra special touch. Serve it warm for a cozy meal or let it cool for a refreshing pesto gnocchi salad.

Pesto Potato Salad

For a heartier twist, mix in baby potatoes instead of tortellini. Boil them until fork tender then toss them with pesto for a creamy, flavorful alternative to traditional potato salad. You can leave the skins on for extra texture or peel them for a smoother bite. This version pairs perfectly with grilled meats, making it a great side dish for summer cookouts.

Chicken and Pesto Salad with Extra Crunch

A little crunch can take this salad to the next level. Toasted pine nuts add a buttery, nutty flavor, while sunflower seeds bring a slightly earthy bite. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for the best texture. If you want even more crunch, try adding crispy chickpeas or crushed almonds for a fun twist.

Pesto Salad Pasta Ideas

Don’t want to use gnocchi or Tortellini? This recipe will suit many other pasta varieties. Examples below.

• Fusilli – The spiral shape holds onto pesto beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.
• Orzo – This small, rice-shaped pasta creates a lighter, more delicate pesto salad that’s easy to scoop and eat.
• Penne – The tube shape allows pesto to cling inside and out, making for a rich and satisfying bite.
• Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta) – The flat, ridged surface adds texture and holds pesto well while looking great in a salad.
• Rotini – Similar to fusilli, its tight spirals trap pesto, making each bite extra flavorful.
• Gemelli – A twisted pasta that grips pesto perfectly while adding a bit of chew to the dish.
• Cavatappi – This corkscrew-shaped pasta gives the salad a fun texture while holding onto plenty of pesto.
• Ditalini – Small tube pasta that works well in bite-sized pesto salads with lots of mix-ins.
• Campanelle – The ruffled edges and hollow center create a unique shape that catches pesto and adds a bit of elegance.
• Orecchiette – The small, cup-like shape scoops up pesto and mix-ins for a well-balanced bite every time.

Tortellini Pesto Salad Serving Suggestions

Adding grilled chicken or shrimp to your tortellini pesto salad is a great way to boost protein while keeping the flavors balanced and fresh. Juicy, seasoned chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy pesto, making the dish more filling and satisfying. If you prefer seafood, grilled shrimp adds a slightly sweet and smoky contrast that complements the herbaceous sauce. Both options turn this salad into a hearty meal rather than just a side dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.

For even more texture and flavor, serve your pesto tortellini salad with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta. The crispy, golden edges of toasted bread are perfect for scooping up extra pesto and cheese, making sure none of that delicious sauce goes to waste.

If you’re looking for a lighter touch, try serving the salad over a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach. The peppery bite of arugula or the mild earthiness of spinach adds a refreshing contrast, making the dish feel bright and well-balanced.

Pesto Salad Pasta Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If making ahead, keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy pasta.
• Add fresh greens just before serving for extra crunch.

Pesto Tortellini Salad Recipe

Our recipe uses store bought pesto paste. But we have included a recipe below if you wish to make your own.

Print Recipe

Tortellini Pesto Salad

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 20 ounce bag cheese tortellini or Gnocchi
• 1 cup Pesto Paste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
• 1 cup spinach, red onion, peppers roughly chopped
• 12 ounce container mozzarella or parmesan balls drained
• Diced Chicken Breast or Thighs optional

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add tortellini and cook for 1 and 1/2 minutes. Do not over cook!
• Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
• If using chicken, brown on high heat in lightly oiled fry pan. Turn to medium heat and cook chicken through. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
• Place tortellini in a large serving bowl. Add in pesto, tomatoes and other salads/veggies and cheese. Also add Chicken if using. Toss well to coat.
• Serve at once, or cover and place in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pesto Salad Dressing or Paste (1 Cup)

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze in portions for later use. Enjoy your fresh pesto with pasta, salads, or as a dip.

This tortellini pesto salad is a quick, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re keeping it simple or turning it into a pasta chicken pesto salad, it is always a hit. Want more pesto inspired recipes? Try it with pesto gnocchi or pesto potato salad next.

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