I’m not sure I should call today’s salad a recipe. It’s more of a suggestion on how to assemble a pasta salad. In an attempt to switch up some of my quick and easy warm weather meals, I’ve been trying some different meatless options.
This chilled pesto tortellini salad was a hit and definitely has found a way onto our summer menu not only because of it’s flavor, but also for how easy it is to bring to outdoor events.
Grab your favorite brand of tortellini and your favorite pesto (whether homemade or store bought) and mix. That’s the simple base for this tasty salad.
I love flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and feta, so I made sure that those flavors could shine through in this dish.
To give the salad a bit of crunch, I also added some chopped yellow bell pepper. And that’s it. A quick and easy no-bake, no need to heat up your house, meatless summer meal!
Not only is this salad super easy and great to bring to picnics or other outdoor gatherings cold, but this pesto tortellini salad is also delicious warm.
Just heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving and you have some easy, warm comfort food all ready to go!
If you’re looking for a little more substantial meal, serve it with your favorite grilled meat!
- 1 (19 oz) package cheese tortellini
- ½ C pesto (homemade or store bought)
- 1 (7 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- ½ C bell peppers, chopped
- ½ C feta cheese crumbles + more for garnish if desired
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Remove to a large bowl to cool.
- Once tortellini is cool, stir in pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and bell peppers to combine. Refrigerate for one hour or until salad is completely chilled.
- Stir in feta cheese right before serving.
- To serve warm:
- Add pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and bell peppers immediately after cooking tortellini. Microwave or heat on the stovetop until salad is heated through.
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
I absolutely love salads like this in the summertime – well anytime for that matter!!! Yum!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
This is definitely a salad and one that I would LOVE.
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
This is one of my favorite guilty pleasures! Great combination!
Ramona says
Looks like a perfect summer meal. 🙂
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I loooove tortellini! This salad looks so simple but utterly delicious 🙂
Abby says
Love this! I could put sun-dried tomatoes on everything right now, obsessed! 🙂
Oana @Through Oana's Lens says
My daughter loves tortellini and I am sure she will love this new recipe. I cannot wait to try it 🙂
Ashley says
Love how easy this is! And definitely perfect for picnics and summer gatherings!
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
I’m always looking for something to bring to a potluck that’s easy and can be cold, warm or whatever! I don’t like to stress about keeping food warm or safe….who does? Bring on summer.
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
I love something tasty that you can put together in a pinch. This sounds delicious!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
This is totally going on our dinner menu! Yum!
Taylor @ greens & chocolate says
Sometimes the easiest things are the best! This salad looks like a perfect summer side!
marcie says
Pasta salads like this are perfect for hectic week nights — easy to whip up and delicious!
Beth @ The First Year says
Jessica., I need to find gluten free tortellini ASAP so I can make this! Looks delicious!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
Simple and easy. The perfect combo.
Marion@Life Tastes Good says
What a perfectly wonderful salad! I love that you added sun-dried tomatoes – they make everything better! Thanks for sharing!
Joanne says
This is my favorite kind of summer salad!!
miss messy says
This is my kind of salad! Looks fabulous 🙂 I love pesto, and I would love this with a blue cheese one I made recently!
Tanya Schroeder says
I have never seen the spinach and tomato tortellini! I have to find them, I NEED to make this salad. All my favorites right there in that bowl!
Michelle { A Latte Food } says
Gosh, this just looks perfect! I love the idea of a meatless meal that’s easy to put together! Pinned!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Oh, this looks SO awesome for a hot summer day’s dinner!
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
I love the cheese tortellini in here, perfect barbecue addition! Pinned 🙂
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
I love your suggestion ;P
This pasta salad is so pretty and fresh and I just love it! I would totally gobble this up if I saw it at a barbecue!
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent says
Love how delicious this recipe looks! I’m definitely trying it to see if we will add it to the summer menu. Thanks for sharing.
Jocelyn@BruCrew Life says
This sounds like a great summer salad! I love the sun dried tomatoes in it! 🙂