Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

If you love classic make-ahead picnic favorites like Broccoli Apple Salad, Southern Punchbowl Cake, Cheesecake Fruit Dip, or Tri-Color Pasta Salad, then this fresh and flavorful Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad needs to be on your list. My husband and I have been enjoying it all summer long in our meal prep lunches. It's quick to throw together, easy to make ahead, and just the kind of dish that disappears fast at any gathering.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Just 6 ingredients - You don't need a long grocery list to make something amazing. The salami especially adds a savory, slightly salty flavor that ties the whole dish together.
• Quick & Easy - With just a few simple steps and no complicated prep, this dish comes together in about 10 minutes. Perfect for busy days!
• Full of Flavor - Every bite is loaded with savory pesto, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a salty bite of salami. It's the ultimate flavor bomb.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead - This pesto tortellini salad tastes great fresh, but it might be even better the next day. Ideal for work lunches, picnics, or potlucks.
• Endlessly Customizable - Swap the salami for grilled chicken, toss in more veggies like peas or kalamata olives, or try a different cheese-this recipe is your playground.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Make this simple recipe your own or get some idea for easy substitutions here so you can adjust to ingredients you already have on hand.

• Cheese Tortellini. Any stuffed tortellini works here, although I use a 5-cheese variety: try spinach and cheese or even meat-filled variety like prosciutto if you want.
• Pesto Sauce. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade with fresh basil. Basil pesto is classic, but sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto are great swaps.
• Cherry Tomatoes. Cherry or grape tomatoes work, or dice up larger Roma or heirloom tomatoes. A firm texture with good flavor is important.
• Mozzarella Pearls. Substitute with diced fresh mozzarella or even small cubes of provolone or goat cheese.
• Red Onion. Shallots or green onions make a milder substitute.
• Salami Cubes. Swap the salami with similar proteins or cured meats like pepperoni, prosciutto, rotisserie chicken, or peas for a vegetarian version.
• Pine Nuts (optional) - Toasted slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds make great alternatives.

What to Serve with this Dish?

You could serve this as either a side dish or the main course -but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of simple sides if you’re building out a full meal or potluck spread. Here are some tasty options to serve with it:

• Grilled Chicken or Sausages
• Garlic Bread or Focaccia
• Simple Chopped Greek Salad with Vinaigrette
• Simple Roasted Green Beans or Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan
• Fresh Fruit Platter
• Lemon Bars or No-bake Strawberry Cheesecake Treats for dessert

Serving Tips

Serving Hot. This pasta salad is excellent both hot and cold! For serving warm, skip the rinse step after cooking the tortellini and serve immediately after tossing everything together. It reheats in the microwave very well too.

Serving Cold. This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks since it can be made ahead and served cold or at room temperature. Because of the dairy (cheese) I don’t recommend it sit out from the fridge for more than 2 hours.