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    Gastronotherapy » Recipes » Brunch

    Summer Tortellini Salad

    Modified: Mar 16, 2024 · Published: May 20, 2021 · by MaryAnne · 30 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Summer tortellini salad is a bright, cheesy, and zingy vegetarian pasta salad that's full of summer produce and ready in less than 30 minutes. We're going for an Italian/Mediterranean vibe with our light and fresh ingredients, and because it can be served chilled or at room temperature, it's a perfect meal for your next potluck, picnic, or BBQ!

    tortellini salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon and tomatoes on the side.

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    As the days get warmer, I try to stick to stovetop cooking, which includes a variety of pasta dishes like shallot pasta, easy pasta primavera, or one pot pasta. But when you want a dish that's not only garden-fresh but also versatile, pasta salad is the way to go.

    This summer tortellini salad recipe incorporates so many of my favorite summer ingredients: juicy tomatoes, snappy zucchini, and aromatic basil.

    It's bright, zippy, robust, and loaded with creamy cheese tortellini. The garlicky walnut pesto gets caught in all of the nooks and crannies of the tortellini (you can easily skip the walnuts for a nut-free version); I might have to just call this perfection in a bowl.

    Jump to:
    • ⭐️ Why This Tortellini Salad is The Best
    • 🍅 Ingredient Notes
    • 📋 Variations and Substitutions
    • 🔪 How To Make Summer Tortellini Salad
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🍽 How to Serve Vegetarian Tortellini Salad
    • 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍝 More Summer Recipes
    • Summer Tortellini Salad Recipe

    ⭐️ Why This Tortellini Salad is The Best

    • Bright, zingy, creamy, and herby tortellini salad
    • Healthy vegetarian pasta salad that's high in protein and made with fresh ingredients
    • Simple pasta dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes
    • Great way to use fresh summer produce
    • Fun option for your next summer picnic/potluck/bbq
    • Make ahead instructions provided

    🍅 Ingredient Notes

    tortellini salad ingredients arranged on a table.
    • Cheese tortellini - Use fresh or frozen; cook according to package instructions, making sure not to overcook.
    • Cherry tomatoes - Sweet baby tomatoes that have a nice snap when you bite into them. Try them in my vegetarian frittata. Use your favorite variety of tomato, or use canned (diced) tomatoes.
    • Parmesan cheese - This is completely optional, since the tortellini already has cheese in it, but I love the additional nutty saltiness that Parmesan adds.
    • Fresh basil - A summertime staple herb! This is what gives our pesto that aromatic and woodsy taste. Use it in this vegetarian bean salad!
    • Walnuts - Although traditional pesto is made with pine nuts, they are very expensive and can be hard to find. Walnuts are a nice substitute to provide that rich and nutty flavor.
    • Garlic - I recommend using fresh garlic whenever possible.

    📋 Variations and Substitutions

    • Pasta. Any pasta with interesting texture will work great for this recipe (but it won't be cheese-filled like the tortellini). Farfalle, rotini, orecchiette, etc. would all be delicious.
    • Make it nut-free: Although the walnuts do add a delicious nutty flavor, they don't make or break the pesto sauce. You can omit them completely, or make my green sauce for pasta as a substitute.
    • Protein. The cheese provides a good amount of protein here, but if you want to bump it up even more, you could add shredded chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
    • Use a mix of summer produce. Utilize a different combination of summer veggies each time you make it - corn, bell peppers, cucumbers, etc. would all work great.
    • Add more Italian flavor. Add 1 teaspoon of homemade Italian seasoning! Keep it on hand and add it to all of your favorite Italian recipes.
    • Leafy greens. For more fiber and nutrition, add a few handfuls of kale, spinach, or Swiss chard.
    two bowls of vegetarian pasta salad with fresh basil.

    🔪 How To Make Summer Tortellini Salad

    *See recipe card below for printable instructions.

    Cook the tortellini according to instructions on package. Drain well and rinse under cold water immediately.

    cooked tortellini in a collander after being drained and rinsed.

    While tortellini is cooking, make the walnut pesto: In the bowl of a food processor, add walnuts, parmesan, and garlic, and pulse until finely ground. Scrape down sides of bowl, and add basil leaves. Mix for an additional minute. With motor on, slowly add olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and set aside.

    walnut pesto in a food processor with a white napkin on the side.

    Place cooked tortellini in a large bowl, and add tomatoes and zucchini.

    tortellini in a large bowl tossed with cherry tomatoes and chopped zucchini.

    Add pesto to bowl and mix until ingredients are well coated.

    pasta salad mixed with walnut pesto in large bowl.

    Season to taste with salt and pepper. If using shaved parmesan and fresh basil, add to bowl.

    bowl of vegetarian tortellini salad with two forks on the side.

    👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Storage: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight.
    • Make ahead instructions: You can make the tortellini and pesto up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
    • Cook according to package instructions. It's very important that you cook your pasta according to package instructions (you can use fresh or frozen tortellini). Don't overcook - cooking 1 or 2 minutes less is better than overcooking. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy and gummy.
    • Run tortellini under cold water. Don't skip this step! This does two things: It stops the cooking process immediately, and it prevents the pasta from clumping together.
    fork resting in a bowl of pasta salad with fresh basil and shaved parmesan.

    🍽 How to Serve Vegetarian Tortellini Salad

    Serve your cheese tortellini salad chilled, at room temperature, or warmed up. It depends on your preference, so you really can't go wrong!

    Serve your pasta salad as an accompaniment to a main dish like tomato tart; or as a main accompanied by a summery side dish, like healthy baked beans, stuffed zucchini or avocado gazpacho

    Pair it with a summery appetizer like bruschetta with balsamic glaze; try it with refreshing lemon cucumber ginger water; and don't forget s'mores bars or an apricot galette for dessert!

    💬 Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it better to make pasta salad the night before?

    You absolutely can make pasta salad the night before. The flavors will mingle together in the fridge overnight, and I recommend setting it on the counter 30 minutes before serving so that it's not super cold.

    How long is tortellini salad good for?

    Tortellini salad can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Do you eat tortellini cold?

    Tortellini can be eaten hot or cold (make sure to cook it according to package instructions), but for this salad application, we want to rinse our tortellini with cold water to avoid them from sticking together.

    🍝 More Summer Recipes

    • Easy pasta primavera served on a plate with fresh basil.
      Easy Pasta Primavera
    • Spicy miso noodles with roasted tomatoes in a white bowl with two forks.
      Easy Miso Noodles
    • bowl of tuscan bean salad with a spoon, fresh basil, and a napkin.
      Easy Tuscan Bean Salad
    • large bowl of gluten free tabbouleh garnished with avocado and lemon slices with a wooden spoon.
      Quinoa Tabbouleh with Chickpeas and Avocado

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    Subscribe to my email newsletter to get a FREE e-book of 15 Healthy Weeknight Recipes, and get new recipes delivered to your inbox every week!

    tortellini salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon and tomatoes on the side.

    Summer Tortellini Salad Recipe

    Author: MaryAnne
    Summer tortellini salad is a bright, cheesy, and zingy vegetarian pasta salad that's full of summer produce and ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for your next potluck, picnic, or BBQ!
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 457 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 20 ounces cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 zucchini, chopped
    • salt and black pepper
    • parmesan cheese, shaved (optional)
    • fresh basil, roughly chopped (optional)

    For the Walnut Pesto

    • ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
    • ⅓ cup parmesan, shaved or grated
    • 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
    • 3 cups basil leaves
    • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the tortellini according to instructions on package. Drain well and rinse under cold water immediately.
    • While tortellini is cooking, make the walnut pesto: In the bowl of a food processor, add walnuts, parmesan, and garlic, and pulse until finely ground. Scrape down sides of bowl, and add basil leaves. Mix for an additional minute. With motor on, slowly add olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and set aside.
    • Place cooked tortellini in a large bowl, and add tomatoes and zucchini.
    • Add pesto to bowl and mix until ingredients are well coated.
    • Season to taste with salt and pepper. If using shaved parmesan and fresh basil, add to bowl. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

    Notes

    • Storage: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight.
    • Make ahead: You can make the tortellini and pesto up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
    • How to serve: Serve chilled, at room temperature, or warmed up. It really depends on your preference.
    • Cook according to package instructions. It's very important that you cook your pasta according to package instructions (you can use fresh or frozen tortellini). Don't overcook - cooking 1 or 2 minutes less is better than overcooking. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy and gummy.
    • Run tortellini under cold water. Don't skip this step! This does two things: It stops the cooking process immediately, and it prevents the pasta from clumping together.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 457kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 19gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 705mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1128IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 241mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barbara J Haner

      May 20, 2021 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      I can't say it enough how amazing your photos are. I feel like the salad bowl is sitting in front of me and I can just start eating! Looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 20, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
      • Barb Haner

        July 28, 2022 at 5:43 pm

        5 stars
        I can’t wait to try this recipe. The ingredients are items easily on hand. The pics look so good!!

        Reply
        • MaryAnne

          July 28, 2022 at 6:18 pm

          I know you'll love it! 😉

          Reply
        • Barb Haner

          August 08, 2022 at 5:34 pm

          5 stars
          Made this salad tonight! Definitely a winner! So easy and flavorful!

          Reply
          • MaryAnne

            August 08, 2022 at 5:36 pm

            So happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

            Reply
    2. Angela

      May 20, 2021 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      Love this salad! It really is the perfect summer pasta salad. The tortellini makes it extra special. YUM!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 20, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        Thanks, Angela!

        Reply
    3. Beth

      May 20, 2021 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      I’ll definitely have a plate of this! Looks so delicious and very tasty! Headed to the store now. Excited to make this tonight!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 20, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        Thanks, Beth!

        Reply
    4. Denay DeGuzman

      May 20, 2021 at 1:22 pm

      5 stars
      This delicious tortellini salad is an ideal side for big 4th of July BBQs. I plan to make this dish the night before the event.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 20, 2021 at 2:31 pm

        Thanks, Denay! Yes, this would be perfect for a BBQ!

        Reply
    5. Sharon

      May 20, 2021 at 1:44 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best salad for summer. The homemade walnut pesto adds so much flavor.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 20, 2021 at 2:31 pm

        Thanks, Sharon!

        Reply
    6. Hailey

      May 20, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      5 stars
      This looks perfect for summer! It would be so yummy with a nice cold glass of crisp white wine.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 20, 2021 at 2:32 pm

        I agree, Hailey! 🙂

        Reply
    7. michele h peterson

      May 27, 2021 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      Perfect salad to take boating! It travels so well!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 27, 2021 at 9:50 am

        I agree, Michele! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    8. Brianna May

      May 27, 2021 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      Looks delicious !!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 27, 2021 at 11:57 am

        Thanks, Brianna!

        Reply
    9. Freya

      May 27, 2021 at 12:11 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a delicious meal! I can’t wait to make it again this bank holiday weekend!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 27, 2021 at 12:30 pm

        Thanks, Freya! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    10. Audrey

      May 27, 2021 at 2:18 pm

      5 stars
      This looks perfect for summer!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 27, 2021 at 3:17 pm

        Thanks, Audrey! It is - I love bringing it along on family picnics!

        Reply
    11. Oscar

      May 27, 2021 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      omgosh this salad looks devine. I love tortellini and can't wait to make this. My family will love it.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 28, 2021 at 1:58 pm

        Thank you, Oscar! It's so easy to make, and bursting with flavor!

        Reply
    12. Agnieszka | Wholly Tasteful

      May 27, 2021 at 8:11 pm

      5 stars
      This salad is really yummy, easy and perfect for summer.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 28, 2021 at 2:00 pm

        Thanks, Agnieszka! It tastes like summer!:-)

        Reply
    13. Addie

      May 28, 2021 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      So light and refreshing for summer! Yum!!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 29, 2021 at 8:42 am

        Thanks, Addie! I agree! 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 18 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Hi! I’m MaryAnne, the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind Gastronotherapy, where I bring vibrant, delicious, and thoughtfully crafted mainly vegetarian and vegan (flexitarian) recipes to life. While my focus leans toward wholesome, nourishing dishes, my love for dessert ensures that indulgence always has a place at the table!

    More about me →

    Subscribe to my email newsletter to get a FREE e-book of 20 vegetarian recipes, and get new recipes delivered to your inbox every week!

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