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Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad

Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad - Your Go-To Make-Ahead Delight

Enjoy a refreshing Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad, a vibrant make-ahead dish packed with flavors and fresh ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 18 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini substitute with gluten-free tortellini if needed
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved grape tomatoes can be an alternative
  • 1 cucumber, diced use English cucumbers for fewer seeds
  • 1 small red onion, diced use sweet onion for a milder flavor
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls, drained consider fresh mozzarella for extra flavor
  • 1 cup arugula baby kale makes a great substitute
  • 1 cup baby spinach swap in more arugula if preferred
  • ½ cup sliced black olives, drained green olives or capers can also enhance the flavor
  • cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade pesto works beautifully
  • Salt and pepper, to taste opt for spices instead of salt

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3–5 minutes, until they are al dente.
  2. After cooking, drain the tortellini and immediately rinse them under cold running water to cool them down and stop the cooking process.
  3. While the tortellini cools, chop the cucumber, red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set these veggies aside in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In the mixing bowl with the vegetables, add the cooled tortellini, mozzarella pearls, arugula, baby spinach, and sliced black olives. Gently fold to combine.
  5. Pour the basil pesto over the salad, coating the ingredients evenly. Toss gently and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Cover the mixing bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, mix in the greens just before serving to keep them vibrant. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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