![- 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped For this salad, cheese tortellini is key. You want it to be soft and chewy. The tortellini holds the creamy pesto well, making every bite flavorful. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Their juicy texture pairs well with the creamy dressing. Fresh spinach brings a nice crunch and color to the dish. - ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade) - ½ cup cream cheese, softened - ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated The creamy dressing is what makes this salad stand out. I like to use pesto as a base. It adds a bright, herby flavor. Mixing in softened cream cheese gives rich creaminess. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that ties everything together. This combination makes the salad rich but not too heavy. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Pine nuts for garnish (optional) A drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavors. It adds a smooth finish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. These simple ingredients let the other flavors shine. If you want extra crunch, pine nuts are a great option. They add a nice nutty flavor and texture. You can find the full recipe for this delicious dish above. First, cook the cheese tortellini. Follow the package instructions closely for the best results. Once done, drain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm. Set the tortellini aside while you prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and pesto. Use a whisk or fork to blend them together well. Your goal is a smooth and creamy dressing. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water or olive oil to make it easier to mix. Now, fold the cooled tortellini into the pesto dressing. Gently mix until every piece of pasta is coated. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Carefully mix them in without breaking the tortellini. Drizzle in the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently one last time to blend everything nicely. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together perfectly. For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts before serving. This is how you create a fresh and flavorful Creamy Pesto Tortellini Salad. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! To make this salad shine, focus on seasoning. Salt enhances all the flavors. Start with a pinch, then taste and adjust. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick. You can also try red pepper flakes for some heat. To boost creaminess, mix in a splash of milk or a bit more cream cheese. This will give your dressing a smoother texture. You can even fold in some Greek yogurt for extra tang and creaminess. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked tortellini turn mushy. Aim for a perfect al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm but cooked through. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water. Timing is key. If you cook them just right, they will hold up beautifully in the salad. Chilling the salad is very important. It helps all the flavors blend together. Without chilling, the salad may taste flat. Aim to chill your salad for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, an hour is even better. This extra time allows the tortellini to soak up the flavors of the pesto and cream cheese. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out cream cheese for Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt gives a nice tang and keeps it creamy. If you want to try different greens, arugula or kale work well, too. You can also add bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch. These swaps keep the salad fresh and fun. Adding protein makes this salad even more filling. Cooked chicken or shrimp brings great flavor. If you prefer a plant-based option, try chickpeas or tofu. Both give you protein without meat. Just make sure to season them well before adding. You can make your own pesto for a fresh taste. Try blending basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. If you like it creamier, add more cream cheese or yogurt. You can even mix in some lemon juice for a zesty kick. Adjust the creaminess to suit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. For short-term storage, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well because they do not stain. Store your creamy pesto tortellini salad in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top since it will expand as it freezes. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Stir it gently before serving to mix the flavors. To maintain flavor and texture, store the salad without added toppings. Keep nuts and cheese separate until you're ready to serve. This helps keep everything crunchy. Signs your salad has spoiled include an off smell or a change in color. If it looks or smells bad, throw it away. Enjoy your creamy pesto tortellini salad fresh! You can find the full recipe to create this delightful dish. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it up to one day in advance. This allows all the flavors to blend well. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want the best taste, mix in the fresh spinach just before serving. If you need a substitute for pesto, try using hummus or a simple olive oil and garlic mix. You could also use a sun-dried tomato spread for a different flavor. These options keep the salad creamy and tasty. Yes, this salad is vegetarian. It uses cheese tortellini and fresh veggies. You can feel good about serving it to vegetarian friends. Just make sure to check the ingredients of your tortellini and pesto. To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini. Many stores sell them now. You can also make your own using gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so your salad will still be delicious. You can check the [Full Recipe] for more details on how to prepare this dish. This article explored a delicious creamy pesto tortellini salad recipe. We covered the main ingredients like cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. You learned how to make a tasty dressing, assemble the salad, and enhance the flavors. We also shared tips for chilling and storing your salad. For a perfect meal, don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients. Whether you add chicken or switch to gluten-free pasta, it’s all about your taste. Enjoy creating a dish that’s not just good, but great!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18a05224-43fc-40d1-bf11-c484b3c27278-250x250.webp)
Creamy Pesto Tortellini Salad
Discover the deliciousness of Creamy Pesto Tortellini Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines cheese tortellini, vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich pesto cream sauce for a delightful twist on pasta salad. In just 45 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Click through for step-by-step instructions and enjoy this refreshing salad that everyone will love!