Pesto Tortellini Salad Chilled Pesto Tortellini Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls 1/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional, toasted) Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Directions: Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and pesto. Drizzle in olive oil and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pine nuts, if using. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #pestotortellinisalad #tortellinirecipes #easyitaliansalad #coldpastasalad #cheesetortellini #summerrecipes #pestolovers #picnicsalad #quickmeals #freshbasil #homemadepesto #saladideas #potluckfavorite #mozzarellapearls #tomatosalad #cheeselovers #chilledsalad #vegetarianpasta #italianinspired #easycomfortfood This Pesto Tortellini Salad is perfect for summer picnics and weeknight meals So fresh and so EASY!

Pesto Sauce Fresh Basil Pesto with Parmesan, Pine Nuts, and Garlic Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup pine nuts 3 garlic cloves, minced Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness) Directions: Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, cooled pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse a few more times to combine. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Pulse again to mix. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 minutes (toasting nuts) | Total Time: 12 minutes Kcal: 190 kcal per 2 tbsp serving | Servings: 6 servings #pestosauce #freshbasilpesto #homemadepesto #italiansauces #saucerecipe #pestopasta #easycondiments #basilrecipe #greenpesto #garlicandbasil #parmesanblend #nuttysauce #oliveoilmagic #quickpesto #simpleitalian #pestoforlife #pestolovers #dressingideas #kitchenstaples #herbsinmotion Whip up this homemade pesto in just 10 minutes! Bright, herby, and bursting with flavor—perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dipping!