If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly captures the essence of warm weather dining, this Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful harmony of tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, shredded chicken, and creamy fresh mozzarella, all tossed in fragrant basil pesto and drizzled with olive oil. Every bite bursts with freshness and color, making it an irresistible centerpiece for picnics, backyard barbecues, or a light, satisfying lunch. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both easy and impressive, ensuring your taste buds are treated to a genuinely memorable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seven white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface hold different food items. The largest bowl on the right is full of cooked tortellini pasta, which is a pale yellow color with a smooth texture. Below it, there is a bunch of fresh green basil leaves. To the left of the tortellini, there is a small white bowl of light green pesto with a small gold spoon inside. Below the pesto, a small white bowl contains light yellow olive oil. Moving left, a bowl with bright red roasted bell peppers, another bowl with halved cherry tomatoes showing juicy red and green inside, a bowl filled with small white mozzarella balls, and at the far left, shredded white chicken pieces fill a larger white bowl. The white marbled surface clearly shows beneath the bowls. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its beautifully balanced ingredients. Each one adds a unique flavor, texture, or colorful pop, making the salad not just delicious but a feast for the eyes as well. Here’s what you’ll bring to the table:

Cheese tortellini (2 packages, 10 oz each): Soft, pillowy pasta that forms the heart of the salad, providing a delightful cheesy bite.
Shredded chicken (2 cups): Adds a satisfying protein boost, making the salad hearty enough for a full meal.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their juicy sweetness offers a fresh burst that complements the rich pesto.
Fresh mozzarella pearls (8 ounces): Creamy and mild, these little balls melt in your mouth and elevate every forkful.
Roasted red bell peppers (1 cup, chopped): Smoky and slightly sweet, these peppers add depth and vibrant color.
Basil pesto (1 cup): The fragrant basil and garlic-infused sauce ties all the elements together beautifully.
Extra-virgin olive oil (1½ tablespoons): Adds a silky finish and rich flavor to enhance the pesto’s freshness.
Fresh basil (for garnish): Thinly sliced leaves to sprinkle on top, offering a burst of herbaceous aroma and a pop of green.

How to Make Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Begin by preparing the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Cooking it just right ensures that it is tender yet still holds its shape in your salad. Once drained, allow it to cool slightly so it won’t wilt your fresh ingredients when mixed.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and chopped roasted red bell peppers. This combination brings a fantastic mix of creamy, savory, sweet, and smoky flavors that will seduce your palate.

Step 3: Add the Dressing

Pour in the vibrant basil pesto and drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the salad. Gently stir everything to coat every piece with the lush, herby dressing. This step is crucial as it binds the salad together, infusing it with that unmistakable summery aroma and taste.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour or up to a day. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. Right before serving, sprinkle the thinly sliced fresh basil on top to brighten up the dish with its deep green hue and fragrant punch.

How to Serve Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

A large bowl filled with a colorful tortellini salad showing three main layers: the base layer of pale yellow tortellini pasta with a smooth, soft texture, mixed throughout with shredded white chicken pieces; the middle layer includes bright red cherry tomato halves and small white mozzarella balls scattered evenly; and the top layer consists of finely chopped fresh green basil leaves and small chunks of red roasted peppers. The bowl is round and white, placed on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth visible at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of freshly shredded Parmesan or a scattering of toasted pine nuts can add a lovely nuttiness and crunch. If you love a little heat, freshly cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes bring a perfect finishing touch without overpowering the salad’s delicate balance.

Side Dishes

This salad is lovely on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, crusty garlic bread, or a refreshing cucumber salad. These sides complement the pasta salad’s bright flavors and keep your meal light and summery.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe in a chilled glass bowl for a stunning centerpiece, or for casual gatherings, spoon it into colorful individual mason jars. Layering the salad ingredients before tossing at the table adds playful excitement to your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tortellini pasta salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but it’s best enjoyed within this window to keep the basil fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

Because of the fresh ingredients and pesto, freezing is not recommended for this Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe as it can alter the texture and flavor, particularly the fresh mozzarella and basil.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for a few minutes to lose some chill before serving to let the flavors bloom fully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds special creaminess, you can substitute bowtie, rotini, or penne pasta for a slightly different texture without losing any flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. This Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe holds up well when prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or planning ahead for a party.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the shredded chicken and add extra roasted veggies like zucchini or artichokes to maintain the heartiness without meat.

What kind of pesto should I use?

Traditional basil pesto works best for that classic fresh herb flavor, but feel free to experiment with sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a fun twist.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Make sure to cool the cooked tortellini completely before mixing and keep excess dressing to a minimum. Refrigerating it allows the pasta to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is a true celebration of simple yet vibrant ingredients working together in perfect harmony. It’s quick to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and irresistibly delicious — everything you want in a go-to summer dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with all your favorite people; it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.