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Fresh Cold Pesto Tortellini Salad Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Perfect for Summer

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A refreshing and light cold pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini coated in vibrant basil pesto, tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes and peppery arugula. Perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or as a quick side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups arugula, washed and dried
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes for fresh pasta. Taste for doneness; it should be tender but still hold its shape.
  2. Drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain thoroughly for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of fresh basil pesto with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
  4. Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the pesto mixture and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 2 cups of fresh arugula. Toss lightly to combine without bruising the greens.
  6. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to meld flavors. The salad keeps well for up to 24 hours.

Notes

Rinse tortellini with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep the salad fresh. Gently fold in arugula last to keep it crisp and vibrant. Toast nuts lightly for added flavor and crunch. Salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 24 hours but avoid freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto tortellini salad, cold pasta salad, summer salad, cherry tomatoes, arugula, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/fresh-cold-pesto-tortellini-salad-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-arugula-perfect-for-summer/