I have a lot of favorite summer recipes but this is definitely in the top 5! This is an original recipe that my mom has made for years now; it’s super easy and takes about 10 minutes, perfect for busy summer nights! I’m not sure what any of the measurements are because I just throw all the ingredients in and toss them so I’m totally guessing on the measurements below. If you want to add more, or less, of something please do! Feel free to make it your own!
Basil Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 Large package Cheese Tortellini
1 – 6oz jar basil pesto (you can use fresh or store bought, I’m lazy so I buy it)
8-10 Grape or cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup Pine nuts, toasted
1 1/2 cups Feta Cheese
5 Large basil leaves
Directions
1. Preheat oven broiler.
2. Cook tortellini according to package directions
3. While it’s cooking spread pine nuts on a cookie sheet and place them in the oven to broil. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly toasted, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Cut tomatoes in half and slice basil into thin strips.
5. Toss all ingredients together and serve.
Here’s a close up of all the yumminess (is that even a word?): Pine nuts, Pesto, Feta and I’m loving the bright red tomatoes! YUMMY!!! Now I’m getting hungry. 🙂
Enjoy!
Basil Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
This basil, pesto, tortellini pasta salad is fresh and delicious, the perfect summer dinner or BBQ side dish. The fresh flavors of the basil, pesto and feta are balanced beautifully by the nuttiness of the pine nuts and creamy cheese tortellini.
Author: Anna Moseley
Recipe type: Pasta Salad
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 1 Large package Cheese Tortellini
- 1 - 6oz jar basil pesto (you can use fresh or store bought, I'm lazy so I buy it)
- 8-10 Grape or cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup Pine nuts, toasted
- 1½ cups Feta Cheese
- 5 Large basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven broiler.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions
- While it's cooking spread pine nuts on a cookie sheet and place them in the oven to broil. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly toasted, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cut tomatoes in half and slice basil into thin strips.
- Toss all ingredients together and serve.
This looks great, and its a perfect way to use the basil and tomatoes in my garden. Thanks!
Looks delicious! I have all the ingredients but the tortellini and the pesto. Those will be on the grocery list for Tuesday. Thanks for the recipe.
Mmm, made this for a BBQ today – it turned out yummy!!
I am your newest follower. This recipe looks awesome! Hope you get a chance to stop by midnightmommy.com to take a look around. I am going to be having a birthday bash giveaway celebration!
I have a slight pesto obsession and pairing it with pasta is my idea of heaven on earth! Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Inspiration Friday! :-)Vanessa
Can you eat it cold or does it need to be hot?
I always serve it cold.