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Fresh Cold Pesto Tortellini Salad

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A quick and easy cold pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini coated in vibrant pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a refreshing summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed)
  • 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes until tender but still holding shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain tortellini in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pesto sauce with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.
  4. Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the pesto dressing. Gently fold in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives. Add more olive oil if the salad seems dry.
  5. Stir in a handful of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse tortellini under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust salt carefully as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and Parmesan add saltiness. Use gluten-free tortellini and dairy-free pesto/cheese for dietary adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto tortellini salad, cold pasta salad, summer side dish, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/fresh-cold-pesto-tortellini-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-side-dish/