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Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad: A Burst of Summer Flavor

This Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant summer dish featuring fresh ingredients, ready in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Refrigerating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Fresh Tortellini cheese, spinach, or vegan
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion soaked in cold water
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Pearls or vegan cheese
  • 4 cups Baby Arugula or fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Pesto homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese omit if vegan
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 cup Chickpeas or Beans for protein
  • 1/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata Olives

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • food processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh tortellini and cook until al dente, about 3-5 minutes. Drain and cool on a baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place in a mixing bowl. Finely chop the red onion, soak in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and add to the tomatoes.
  3. If making homemade pesto, blend basil leaves, olive oil, nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Mix well if using store-bought pesto.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, tomatoes, onion, and mozzarella. Drizzle pesto over and toss gently until well mixed.
  5. Fold in baby arugula and fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to incorporate without bruising the greens.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to four days. Add fresh greens before serving for crispness.

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