Bursting Berry and Basil Tortellini Salad a Summer Sensation

Berry Basil Tortellini Salad Easy Summer Recipe

By Amara Vitalis July 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever fancied a pasta salad that's a bit more pizazz ? This berry tortellini salad is just the ticket. It's a simple tortellini pasta salad that's bursting with flavor.

Honestly, its so easy, even I managed it.

Brief Overview

Pasta salad? We all love that innit. Our tortellini pasta salad recipe takes a modern twist on a classic. This little number is easy, only takes 40 minutes tops and will serve about 4 people.

Main Benefits

Need a dish to impress? It's perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a fancy lunch. The berries add a delightful sweetness, the basil is banging and the lemon honey tortellini pasta salad is an absolute winner.

Ingredients You'll Need

So, what tortellini pasta salad recipes will we need to recreate this summer dish? To make the salad itself you will need cheese tortellini (20 oz), mixed berries (1 cup), fresh basil (1/2 cup), pine nuts (1/4 cup).

And finally feta or goat cheese (1/4 cup), if you’re feeling fancy of course!.

For the dressing, we will use olive oil (1/4 cup), lemon juice (2 tablespoons), honey (1 tablespoon), Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon), salt (1/4 teaspoon), and pepper (1/8 teaspoon). Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!.

Right, let's talk grub! Specifically, what you need to knock out this amazing Berry and Basil tortellini pasta salad recipe .

It's dead easy. Honestly, if I can do it, anyone can. I am terrible in the kitchen!

Ingredients & Equipment for a Fab Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Main Ingredients: Get 'Em Right!

Okay, so you're after a summer pasta salad recipe that pops? Then the ingredients matter.

20 oz (567g) Cheese Tortellini. Fresh or frozen works. The refrigerated three cheese stuff is proper lush!
1 cup (150g) Mixed Berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, the works. Make sure they're ripe but not mushy. That's the quality indicator, innit?
1/2 cup (25g) Fresh Basil Leaves. Get the vibrant green ones. Bash them roughly.
1/4 cup (35g) Pine Nuts. Toast 'em, we'll get to that in a bit.
Optional: 1/4 cup (25g) Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese. Only if you're feeling fancy.

For the dressing, and this is where the magic happens:

1/4 cup (60ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Not the cheap stuff, yeah?
2 tablespoons (30ml) Fresh Lemon Juice. Squeeze your own, it's worth it.
1 tablespoon (15ml) Honey. Runny honey works best.
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard.
1/4 teaspoon Salt.
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper. Freshly ground, naturally!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Right, so the basil and berries are the stars here. But don't underestimate the lemon honey vinaigrette . That's where the zing is! Use a decent honey; it'll make all the difference.

Got no Dijon? A tiny bit of wholegrain mustard works too. You know, bit of a kick. For an even more simple tortellini pasta salad , try adding a touch of balsamic vinegar.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Honestly, you don't need a load of fancy kit.

Large Pot: For the pasta, obvs.
Colander: To drain that pasta with cheese tortellini .
Large Mixing Bowl: To chuck it all together.
Small Bowl or Jar: For the vinaigrette. A jam jar works a treat!
Whisk: To whisk that vinaigrette like you mean it.
Baking Sheet: For toasting the pine nuts. Keep an eye on those, eh? They burn easy!

I used a frying pan to toast my pine nuts once, because I thought I was too good for using a baking sheet.

Don't make my mistake. That's it! Now you're all set to make this cold tortellini salad . What are you waiting for?

Cooking Method: Turning Tortellini into a Summer Sensation

Alright, let's chat about how to nail this Berry and Basil Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe ! Honestly, it’s simpler than brewing a cuppa.

I’ve messed this up before, so I'm sharing all my secrets. Get ready to impress your mates with this vibrant Summer Pasta Salad recipes !

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place that's fancy for "get everything ready." Chop your 1 cup (150g) of mixed berries and roughly chop 1/2 cup (25g) of fresh basil.

This is vital. Trust me. Nobody wants to be fumbling for ingredients mid-cook. Next, toast those pine nuts. Spread 1/4 cup (35g) of pine nuts on a baking sheet.

Pop them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 5- 7 minutes . You’ll want to set a timer.

Burnt pine nuts are the worst!

step-by-step: Cracking On

Right, let's get cooking!

Boil a big pot of salted water. Seriously, season it.
Chuck in your 20 oz (567g) cheese tortellini. Cook until al dente . Follow the package instructions, around 8- 10 minutes .
Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water. This stops them from getting mushy.
Whisk together your vinaigrette. Olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, pepper. It’s a flavour explosion!
In a large bowl, mix tortellini, berries, basil, and pine nuts. Add the feta if you are going to.
Drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss gently. You don't want to crush the berries.
Chill for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve cold or room temperature. That is one of the best Cold Tortellini Salad I had.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad

Want to be a tortellini pasta salad pro? Toast those pine nuts. Toasting brings out their flavour. Avoid Overcooking. Al dente tortellini is a must.

If you are looking for Tortellini Pasta Salad Vegetarian recipes, using cheese tortellini is the easiest way to reach the target.

Also, a little secret of our best Tortellini Pasta Salad recipes : Make the vinaigrette ahead of time. The flavours get even better.

If you are looking for a Simple Tortellini Pasta Salad , using a pre-made vinaigrette can do the trick. But you know, the homemade touch is always worth it.

I like to add a tiny pinch of chilli flakes to the dressing to give it that extra zing! Try to explore it.

Recipe Notes: Your Guide to Pasta Perfection

Right then, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this smashing tortellini pasta salad recipe . Think of this section as your cheat sheet.

These are all the extra bits that will make your culinary adventure a proper success. Honestly, these bits can make or break a dish!

Serving Like a Pro

Want to make your summer pasta salad recipes look like it's straight from a magazine? Easy peasy! Plate the tortellini pasta salad artfully.

Use a nice bowl. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves. Voilà!

For sides, think light and fresh. Grilled chicken or fish are brilliant. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the lemon honey vinaigrette.

A glass of sparkling lemonade or iced tea? Spot on. The berry tortellini salad becomes a real star when paired well!

Storage Sorted

Got leftovers? No worries! This easy tortellini salad recipe keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.

It'll be good for up to three days. I wouldn't recommend freezing it. The tortellini might get a bit mushy.

When reheating, give it a gentle toss. A little extra vinaigrette can freshen it up.

Twists and Tweaks

Fancy a change? This recipe is super versatile. For a tortellini pasta salad vegetarian option, just double check your tortellini filling is cheese only.

Job done! For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free tortellini.

Seasonal swaps? Instead of berries, try roasted butternut squash in autumn. Use cherry tomatoes and cucumbers in summer. Think Mediterranean flavours, honestly.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so the rough calorie count per serving is around 450. It’s got a decent amount of protein (15g) and carbs (40g).

There is some fat (25g), so watch those portions! It's a good source of energy and a nice way to get some fruit into your diet.

The lemon honey tortellini pasta salad has Vitamin C, thanks to the berries. It is delicious and pretty good for you in moderation.

Right, you're all set! This cold tortellini salad is simple, adaptable, and utterly delicious. Get stuck in and enjoy! I think you'll agree that tortellini pasta salad recipes are a great win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tortellini pasta salad recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This tortellini pasta salad recipe is fantastic for meal prepping or making ahead for parties. Just prepare the salad, but hold off on adding the basil until just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits, but no one likes soggy basil!

What are some good substitutions or variations I can make to this tortellini pasta salad recipe?

Fancy a bit of a change? You can easily adapt this tortellini pasta salad recipe to your liking. Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Swapping the berries for cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olives for a Mediterranean twist is another brilliant idea.

A balsamic glaze drizzle can add a lovely sweetness, too!

How do I store leftover tortellini salad and how long will it last?

Store your leftover tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally last for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the basil might wilt slightly over time, but the salad will still be perfectly safe and delicious to eat, bit like your Aunt Mildred, after a few days in the fridge after Christmas.

Is this tortellini pasta salad recipe healthy? What's the nutritional information?

While pasta salad isn't traditionally considered the healthiest dish, this Bursting Berry and Basil Tortellini Salad can be a part of a balanced diet. It provides carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants from the berries.

See the recipe notes for approximate nutritional information, keeping in mind that these are just estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients.

Can I use frozen tortellini for this tortellini pasta salad recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works just fine for this recipe. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions, and don't overcook it, as it can become mushy. The key is to get that lovely "al dente" bite, even with frozen pasta!