Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Discover this delightful Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad featuring tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, savory salami, Parmesan cheese, and pistachios, all tossed in fragrant basil pesto. In just 20 minutes, whip up this vibrant salad—a perfect addition to summer BBQs or a quick weekday lunch.

– 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini – 1 cup asparagus trimmed and sliced into thirds, about 4 oz – 2-3 cup spring mix – 1/2 cup quartered artichoke hearts drained – 1/2 cup roasted red pepper sliced – 1 cup sliced salami cut into quarters – 1/2 cup basil pesto – 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup pistachios roughly chopped – drizzle olive oil – fresh cracked pepper

– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add tortellini and cook according to the directions on the package. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer tortellini to a paper towel to drain. – Add sliced asparagus to same boiling pot of water. Allow to cook for 2 minutes before transferring to a bowl of ice water.

– Drain asparagus and add to a large mixing bowl along with tortellini, spring mix, artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper, and salami. Toss to combine. – Add pesto, Parmesan cheese, chopped pistachios, and drizzle of olive oil. Toss to combine. – Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste and give salad a final toss. Serve immediately or chilled.

– If tortellini begins to stick together after cooking, place it in a colander and run it under cool water. Gently shake until loose, then drain. – This tortellini pasta salad can be served at room temperature or chilled.

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Storage & Make-Ahead : – Tortellini can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an air tight container. – If meal prepping, this salad can be mixed ahead of time, leaving out pesto and oil until ready to eat to prevent wilting. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Some wilting may occur after dressing this salad and is generally fine to eat as long as there are no strange smells or slimy textures. As always, use your best judgment when consuming leftovers. Learn more