Broccoli Pesto Tortellini Salad

Okay, friend—get ready, because this Broccoli Pesto Tortellini Salad is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, cheesy tortellini coated in vibrant, herby pesto, tossed with crisp-tender broccoli, and finished with a sprinkle of salty parmesan and a zesty squeeze of lemon. It’s fresh, it’s creamy, and it’s bursting with flavor in every forkful. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, for a picnic, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night dinner, this one delivers major flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with hardly lifting a finger.

Why You’ll Love Broccoli Pesto Tortellini Salad

This recipe isn’t just about tossing pasta with some sauce—it’s about creating those feel-good, everyone-asks-for-seconds moments.

Versatile: This salad can be served warm, cold, or room temp—perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a last-minute dinner.

Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients here! Just basic pantry and fridge staples that come together to taste like you ordered from your favorite café.

Quick and Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes. No stress, no fuss, just flavor.

Customizable: Add grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, or swap in kale pesto—whatever fits your vibe!

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love it. Grown-ups love it. Your picky cousin? Yep, even they’ll go back for more.

Ingredients

Cheese Tortellini

Pillowy pasta stuffed with cheese—creamy, chewy, and comforting in every bite.

Broccoli Florets

Adds vibrant color and a lovely crunch when blanched to crisp-tender perfection.

Basil Pesto

Herby, garlicky, and rich with parmesan and pine nuts—this is where the flavor magic happens.

Grated Parmesan Cheese

A salty, nutty finish that brings everything together and adds irresistible umami.

Lemon Juice

A little zing to brighten it all up and balance the richness of the cheese and pesto.

Olive Oil

For a silky finish and added richness—helps everything cling together deliciously.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

A hint of heat if you’re into a little kick (I always am!).

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini

Boil the tortellini in salted water according to package directions. You want them tender but not mushy—al dente is key for the perfect bite.

Blanch the Broccoli

About 2 minutes before the tortellini are done, toss the broccoli florets into the pot. They’ll cook just enough to stay bright and snappy.

Drain and Cool

Drain everything and rinse quickly with cool water to stop the cooking process and preserve that gorgeous green color. Let it drain thoroughly.

Toss with Pesto

Transfer the tortellini and broccoli to a large bowl. Add the pesto and gently toss until every piece is gloriously coated in green goodness.

Add the Lemon and Cheese

Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the parmesan. Give it another toss and taste for seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

Finish with Olive Oil

Drizzle with a little olive oil for that glossy finish and extra richness. Serve immediately or chill for later—either way, it’s divine.

How to Serve Broccoli Pesto Tortellini Salad

This salad is a total chameleon—it works any way you want it!

As a Main Dish: Pile it into bowls, top with grilled chicken or shrimp, and dinner is served.

At a Picnic: Chill it and pack it into your cooler. It travels like a champ and tastes even better as it sits.

With Soup: Serve it alongside a tomato basil soup or chicken broth for a comforting lunch combo.

As a Side: Pair it with roasted meats, sandwiches, or even grilled veggies for a balanced plate.

Party Platter Style: Spoon it onto a big platter, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and garnish with basil leaves. Gorgeous and ready to impress!

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Pesto: Homemade or store-bought fresh pesto makes all the difference in flavor.

Tortellini Options: Try spinach or mushroom tortellini for fun twists.

Add More Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichokes would all play beautifully here.

Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled. Store it tightly covered in the fridge.

Serve Hot or Cold: Totally your call! Warm it slightly for a cozier feel, or serve it chilled for a refreshing bite.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A1: Absolutely! Just cook it according to the package directions—it works just as well as fresh.

Q2: What kind of pesto should I use?
A2: Classic basil pesto is perfect, but you can also use spinach, arugula, or sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.

Q3: Can I make this salad vegan?
A3: Yes—use vegan tortellini, plant-based pesto, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a toss with a little olive oil before serving to freshen it up.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of tortellini can change after thawing.

Q6: What protein can I add?
A6: Grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or even chickpeas would make delicious additions.

Q7: How spicy is it with red pepper flakes?
A7: Just a touch of heat! You can always skip them or add more depending on your preference.

Q8: Can I use gluten-free tortellini?
A8: Definitely! Just make sure to follow the package cooking instructions closely to avoid mushiness.

Q9: How long can this sit out at room temperature?
A9: For safety, no more than 2 hours. If it’s a hot day, try to keep it chilled.

Q10: Is this salad good for potlucks?
A10: It’s perfect! It holds up well, looks pretty, and pleases just about everyone.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Pesto Tortellini Salad is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve done something special—without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s fresh, flavorful, and totally fuss-free. Whether you’re whipping it up for a solo lunch, a family dinner, or a summer potluck, it never fails to impress. One bite and you’ll see why this one’s a keeper. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Print