Description
A refreshing salad featuring fresh cheese tortellini, basil pesto, and a variety of fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package fresh cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved if larger
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup cooked, diced grilled chicken (optional)
- 1 cup lean cooked beef strips (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 2 cups arugula (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini.
- Drain and cool the tortellini: Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander. Rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Let them drain thoroughly and cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the fresh ingredients: Halve all cherry tomatoes. If using fresh mozzarella balls, drain and halve them if larger, or leave them whole if very small. Finely dice the red onion.
- Combine everything in a large bowl: Once the tortellini is completely cool, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls, and finely diced red onion.
- Add the pesto and toss gently: Spoon in your basil pesto, starting with about 1/2 cup. Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated in the pesto.
- Chill for flavor melding: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, give the salad another gentle stir. Adjust seasonings if necessary and garnish with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- This salad can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil, Mix, Chill
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg