Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad

Name: Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 20 ounces tortellini pasta, (boiled as per package directions and cooled completely); 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, (halved); 14 ounces black olives, (sliced); 14 ounces quartered marinated artichoke hearts, (halved); 8 ounces bocconcini ((or regular fresh mozzarella cut into bite-size pieces); 1 1/2 cups pesto sauce (+ a little extra in case the salad dries out)

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Tortellini pesto pasta salad is a quick and fresh dish that comes together in just 20 minutes! Packed with bold flavors and cheese-stuffed pasta, it’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a no-fuss family dinner.

A white bowl of tortellini salad with the main bowl in the background.

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Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Pasta Salad With Pesto
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
How To Make Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips For Making This Pesto Tortellini Recipe
What To Serve With Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad
Other Tasty Pasta Recipes To Try
Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Pasta Salad With Pesto

Pasta salad season is upon us, and I'm here for it! Although honestly, I don't think you need to wait for summer to enjoy a cold pasta salad. I’ll happily eat it all year round — and when it’s this easy, how could you not?

This isn’t your average pasta salad. Tortellini gives it a heartier, more satisfying bite, cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, and bocconcini brings the perfect creamy contrast. A handful of black olives and marinated artichoke hearts add just the right touch of briny flavor without being too much.

And of course, pesto sauce ties it all together with that bold, herby punch of summer, any time of year. Whether you’re making it ahead for a party or just craving a no-fuss meal, this one is a keeper. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Ready in about 20 minutes
Loaded with fresh, vibrant flavors
Customizable with your favorite add-ins
Great for make-ahead meals

A noverhead image of a blue and white bowl with a white napkin and tomatoes and black olives around it.

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Pesto sauce- Packs all the herby, garlicky goodness that ties the salad together. Use your favorite jarred pesto sauce or make your own if you're feeling fancy.
Tortellini pasta- Use refrigerated or frozen tortellini- I prefer frozen but both work. Cheese-filled is classic, but spinach or meat varieties work too.
Cherry tomatoes- Add a juicy sweetness and fresh flavor. Grape tomatoes work too.
Black olives- Give a briny, salty kick. Kalamata olives are a great swap.
Marinated artichoke hearts- Add a tangy, slightly briny bite without being overpowering. Plain canned artichokes also work.
Bocconcini- Brings a creamy, mild flavor that pairs perfectly with pesto. You can cut up regular fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces if you can't find mozzarella pearls.

An overhead image of labeled recipe ingredients.

How To Make Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1- Prep the ingredients.

Cook the tortellini according to package directions, then drain and cool completely. Place tortellini and then toppings into a large bowl.

Cooked tortellini in a glass bowl and then olives, artichokes and tomatoes added.

Step 2- Toss everything together.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, black olives, marinated artichoke hearts, bocconcini, and pesto. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Pesto added into the bowl of salad fixings and then everything tossed together and fully coated.

Step 3- Chill before serving.

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors come together.

A spoon holding up a scoop of pesto pasta salad over the bowl of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pesto with tortellini ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a day ahead. Just keep some extra pesto on hand in case the pasta absorbs too much and you need to stir a little more in before serving.

Can I serve it warm instead of cold?

While it's usually served chilled, you can serve it right after tossing everything together for a slightly warm version.

How do I keep the salad from drying out?

If the pasta soaks up the pesto while chilling, just toss in a little extra pesto or a splash of olive oil right before serving.

Can I make this a full meal?

Yes, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to make it more filling.

A close up image of tortellini with pesto, olives and tomatoes.

Tips For Making This Pesto Tortellini Recipe

Cool the pasta completely. Warm tortellini will absorb too much of the pesto and can cause the salad to turn mushy. Cooling it first keeps everything fresh — rinse with cold water to speed up the process!
Cutting the tomatoes, artichokes, and mozzarella helps them mix better with the pasta, but it’s okay to leave them whole if you’re in a rush.
Feel free to switch up the veggies depending on what you have. Diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions are great additions if you're looking for extra crunch.
A little sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds a nice touch of color and extra flavor.
This tortellini pasta salad tastes best chilled, so plan to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving.
Ingredients to prep ahead- Cook and cool the tortellini, and chop the veggies and cheese in advance to speed up the assembly process.
Leftovers and storage- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing isn’t recommended as it can affect the texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients.

An overhead image of a close up of half the bowl of tortellini pasta salad with pesto.

What To Serve With Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad

This bright and flavorful pasta salad pairs with just about anything! Serve it alongside grilled meats for a hearty meal or with fresh veggie sides for a lighter touch. Add a sweet dessert to complete the experience. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a BBQ, this salad will complement nearly any dish. A few great recipes to round out this meal would be:

Other Tasty Pasta Recipes To Try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!