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Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad

Savory Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad for Effortless Lunches

This Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for quick lunches.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 package Cheese Tortellini Look for refrigerated options for a tender, chewy texture.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can substitute with grape tomatoes.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Fresh and crunchy.
  • 1 small Red Onion Can substitute with green onion.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls Can substitute with cubed fresh mozzarella.
  • 2 cups Arugula Baby kale can be used instead.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Feel free to swap with any tender green.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Can substitute with green olives.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Basil Pesto Store-bought or homemade works well.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, generally around 10 minutes.
  3. Drain the tortellini into a colander and set aside.
  4. Quickly drain them and rinse under cold running water for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Place all prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  7. Once the tortellini has cooled to room temperature, add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
  8. Add mozzarella pearls, arugula, baby spinach, and black olives.
  9. Drizzle the basil pesto over the ingredients and toss gently until combined.
  10. Taste and add salt and pepper according to your preference.
  11. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, consume within 24 hours if possible.

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