Tortellini Salad
A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring tender cheese tortellini, fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, and olives, all coated in a creamy pesto-mayo dressing. This dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, offering a delightful mix of textures and savory flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions and drain.
- Set the cooked tortellini aside in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pesto sauce, milk, oil, vinegar, white pepper, and minced garlic to make the dressing.
- Add the broccoli florets, shredded carrot, sliced olives, and grated Parmesan cheese to the tortellini.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the dressing. You can also use fresh vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added crunch and flavor. If you prefer a different pasta shape, any small pasta will work well. This dish can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based mayonnaise and omitting the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This tortellini salad is a great side dish for grilled meats or can be served as a light main course. It pairs beautifully with Italian Cheese Pie for a complete meal. You can also add some crusty bread and a simple green salad to round out the dining experience. Enjoy it fresh or as a make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss the salad gently and add a splash of milk or additional dressing to refresh the flavors. You can also serve it cold, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini Salad contains roughly 834 calories, with 15g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini instead of frozen. Just reduce the cooking time according to the package instructions, as fresh pasta cooks quicker. This will help maintain the perfect texture for your salad.
What can I substitute for pesto if I don't have any?
If you don't have pesto, you can use store-bought creamy Italian dressing or make a quick homemade version with basil, olive oil, and nuts. This will still give your salad a flavorful kick without compromising the overall taste.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This tortellini salad is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for a few days. Just remember to add any crunchy toppings just before serving to keep them crisp.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).