As we get into the warmer months I wanted to share a recipe for a delicious pasta salad! It is perfect for BBQ’s, picnics and pot lucks. It is always a huge hit and the best part is it is super easy to throw together. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law’s sister, Hope. She would bring it to parties and it would be GONE in minutes. I asked her how she made it and when she told me I was shocked by how quick and simple it sounded!
Here are the ingredients:
1 large package of cheese tortellini
1 container of pesto (or you can make your own if you like to be all ambitious like that!)
1 jar of sun-dried tomatoes
1 small can of black olives
Parmesan cheese
All you do is cook the pasta according to the directions, (I use Buitoni since I think its good, but you can use any kind of tortellini and pesto you want) then drain & mix with the pesto. Do this while the pasta is still hot since it helps distribute the pesto. Drain and chop the sun-dried tomatoes & olives and toss them in there. (as much or as little as you like) Mix in some Parmesan cheese. Put the pasta salad in the fridge until you are ready to serve it. (you should give it time to cool completely in there before you serve it) If it is in the fridge for awhile, set it out about 10 minutes before you are going to serve it and don’t mix it right away or all the tortellini will break apart.
You can add whatever you like in this salad, sometimes I use olives. Other times I add minced garlic or roasted garlic. I keep meaning to make this with artichokes as well, but I always forget to buy the freaking artichokes. (but I bet it would be delish)
It is so simple but SO good, and a fun twist on the usual vinaigrette pasta salad. It will take you 5 minutes to prepare and you will be a total rock star. Shout out to Hope for sharing her pasta salad deliciousness with me!!
This looks so good. I love to eat pasta, so this recipe is perfect and it's only 5 ingredients, can't beat that!
It is really good, I promise you will love it!
Great for the warmer temps for sure! Pinning for later!
thank you and enjoy! 🙂
I never thought to use tortellini in a pasta salad. That's a great idea!!!
And SOOOOO good. Everyone always freaks out about it.
That looks really good! I love that it is simple to put together. I will have to try this out.
You will love it! 🙂
This looks amazing! I love pasta salad and have never seen one like this. I'm going to have to try it!
It is different and everyone always loves it! Have a great week!!
That looks so yummy…I would love to try it! Thanks for sharing! Nice blog!
http://www.mapleleopard.com
Thank you! 🙂
That looks delicious! And you are right…easy is best!! Now I'm craving this…… 🙂
I am, too… I was editing the pics last night and my husband walked by and was like, "Now I want that pasta salad.. thanks a lot!" haha
I love cooking with tortellini but I've never made a pasta salad with it! I bet this is delicious! =)
Oh you know it is… not the healthiest salad, but SO GOOD!
I love pasta salad…. My favorite is crab pasta salad.
ohhhh that sounds delish!
That looks so easy! I love pasta salad!
Me too! I love anything involving pasta.. really. 😉
Wow this looks amazing, I love pesto.
Me too! I have always wanted to make my own, its on my to-do list! 😉
I make my own! It's really easy. I've actually been meaning to put the recipe on my blog.
Sounds awesome! I would definitely add some artichokes-sounds so good!
Right? Every time I make it I get so mad when I don't have any artichokes!
It has everything I love 🙂 Great recipe! Thank you for joining us at the Oh My Heartsie Girl Wordless Wednesday! I look forward to seeing you again next week!
Thank you! I just found you guys through another blogger.. I am sure i will be back!
Bookmarking this one FOR SURE! Not only does the presentation look delicious but I love that you use cheese tortellini! Black olives and artichokes, I am in love. Thank you so much for sharing!
And it goes really good with all your typically BBQ foods too.
Oh my goodness I could eat this right now! Definitely on my to do list…
I know you will love it! Have a great week! 🙂
There are really few foods in life I love more than tortellini and will have to put this on my menu!
I'm with you there! I love anything pasta-related! 😉
I love pasta salad!! I will be trying this in the near future. Thanks for sharing!
Me too, I am a carb lover so this is always a treat! I hope you are getting some rest with that sweet newborn! 😉
I love that you used simple, pantry staples for this pasta salad! And sister I'm not making my own pesto lol!
hahaha I know me either.. but you know.. some people feel inclined to do crazy things like that!
I love pasta salad, always and forever! And for me, olives are a must– this one looks great!
Yes it adds a nice salty bite to it.. thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic week!
I love all these things – this looks like such great comfort food!
for sure! So good and it does well sitting out for a bit too
"if you like to be all ambitious" …LOL! I like this recipe, thanks for sharing, I would definitely throw in garlic and artichokes!!! YUMMY!
Pasta salad is one of my favorite summer foods! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.
xo katie // a touch of teal
I love tortellini in pasta salad! And I have some pesto in the fridge already! Perfect!
This looks amazing and it is so easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
This sounds easy enough for me to make and the olives make it such a winner! Visiting from the #SHINEBlogHop
I love easy weeknight meals, definitely pinning this one! Thanks for sharing with us at Pin-Worthy Wednesday!
Oh my goodness, does this ever look and sound fabulous!!
I definitely want to give this a try.
Pinning!
Thank you for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo