Looking for more salad recipes? Try my Italian Pasta Salad, Ambrosia Salad or Macaroni Salad! I love pasta salads that are easy to make, filling and full of fun flavors, and this Pesto Tortellini is all those things. It’s delicious, and everyone always loves it! It tops the list of my favorite pasta salad recipes, along with this Spinach Avocado Pasta Salad and Teriyaki Bowtie Pasta Salad.
Ingredients Needed:
Pesto: Homemade Pesto or good quality store-bought. (Use leftover pesto to make pesto pizza, or one pan pesto chicken and veggies). Caesar Dressing: make homemade caesar dressing, or use store-bought. I like this brand. Tortellini: I suggest good quality refrigerated tortellini. Tomatoes: I like to use cherry tomatoes but use any kind you like. Olives: pitted, sliced black olives. Onion: I recommend green onion but sweet onion or diced red onion would work. Sunflower Seeds or pine nuts. Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese Fresh Basil is essential!
How to Make Pesto Tortellini:
Cook Tortellini according to package instructions. Drain well and allow to cool. Add to a large bowl and toss with caesar dressing to coat. Add tomatoes, olives, green onion, pesto, salt, pepper and garlic powder and toss to combine. Add sunflower seeds and ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese and toss to combine. Serve garnished with fresh parmesan and basil just before serving.
Recipe Variations:
Add protein like chicken, sausage or shrimp to make it a hearty main dish. Rotisserie chicken would work great, or leftover cooked, grilled chicken. Extra Veggies: Add sautéed zucchini or yellow squash, chopped bell peppers, spinach.
More Tortellini Recipes:
One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini Pasta Vegetable Tortellini Soup Southwest Tortellini Pasta Salad
Original recipe inspired by Mels Kitchen Cafe.
I originally shared this recipe March 2017. Updated May 2021 and May 2023. This post contains affiliate links. I love sharing my favorite products and cooking tools with you This post contains affiliate links.
