This Summer Tortellini Salad is my favourite go to lunch. It is perfect for meal prepping, bringing to summer parties, or for lazy weekend lunches that the whole family will love. Each bite is filled with fresh veggies, cheese and pesto with a hint of balsamic vinegar. It's a great way to get in those veggies without having to eat a boring salad. Plus, this recipe is ready in under 15 minutes!
What Makes This Summer Tortellini Salad so Amazing!?
Tell me, how hot is it where you are right now!? It's literally so hot here that I'm sweating in places I didn't even know I could sweat. Plus, we still aren't allowed to visit other households indoors. So, outside is the only option if you dare socialize with other human beings! If you're like me and you're headed outside to spend time with your friends and family, then this summer pasta salad is a quick and easy choice! It takes minimal time in the kitchen, so you can save the boob sweat for later when you're in the sun.
I love this summer tortellini salad recipe because its ready in under 15 minutes. Plus, I discovered that you can reduce balsamic vinegar in the freaking microwave!! Why haven't I ever thought of this before? I'm still bitter about discovering this mom chef hack so late in the game. But, I mean, you can just buy balsamic reduction at the store too if that floats your boat. But, this mom is cheap AF. So, In the microwave it goes! Oh, did I mention that my toddler loved this!? Yeah thats right. Veggie ninja should be our new titles as moms.
Tips, Tricks, and Modifications.
How to reduce balsamic vinegar in the microwave.
As I was saying before, this is seriously life changing! Adding balsamic reduction to anything makes you feel fancy as heck (or am I just easy to impress). But, let me tell you, making it is a pain in the butt. And buying it is kind of pricey. I discovered that you can literally just put the balsamic vinegar in a pyrex container and microwave it in 45 second intervals until it reduces!
Please be aware to not put it in the microwave for longer than 45 seconds at a time or else you could risk causing the liquid to explode and burn you when removing it from the microwave. Yes, this is absolutely a real thing that happens because, you know, science.
I can't find mozzarella pearls, what can I use instead?
Mozzarella pearls can be surprisingly difficult to find. Though, I live in a relatively small rural town and I managed to find mini bocconcini pearls, which I later learned are the exact same thing as mozzarella pearls. I guess the name depends on the brand and where you live. If you can't find either of them, I recommend buying plain old mozzarella cheese and cutting it up into bite sized chunks.
Do I have to use tortellini? I'm on a budget.
I feel you. Tortellini isn't the cheapest pasta option at the grocery store. This recipe would still be really delicious if you substituted the tortellini for equal parts of regular pasta. Go ahead and experiment with your favourite type of pasta instead. I recommend trying out rotini, fusilli, mini shells or bow ties. Make sure to let me know how this turns out in the comments!
Check out some of our other summer recipes below:
Easy Peach and Honey Greek Yogurt Popsicles
Coconut Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa
Tzatziki and Feta Chickpea Burgers
Recipe
20 Minute Summer Tortellini Salad with Pesto and Mozzarella Pearls
Ingredients
- 1 package Barilla Three Cheese Tortellini Pasta
- 1 cup Balsamic Vinegar see note
- ½ jar Classico Basil Pesto 4oz
- 1 ½ cups Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 12 ounces Mozzarella Pearls or Mini Bocconcini Pearls approx 2 cups
- 4 cups Spring Mix
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the tortellini. Cook in boiling water for 6-8 minutes or as directed on the package.
- While the tortellini is cooking, place your balsamic vinegar in a pyrex or microwave safe container and cook on high for 45 SECOND intervals. Stirring in between. Repeat this step until the vinegar has reduced from 1 cup to ¼ of a cup.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to a large bowl. Add in the basil pesto, mozzarella pearls, tomatoes and spring mix. Toss ingredients making sure everything is evenly coated in pesto.
- Drizzle the balsamic reduction over your finished salad and enjoy!
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