Pesto Tortellini Salad with Salami & Peppers

Delicious pesto tortellini salad with salami, peppers, and spinach perfect for al fresco dinner parties this summer!

Y’all this pesto tortellini salad is so delish and so easy to make! It is fresh and filling. I promise it will be a hit at lunches or dinners.

For this dish I made my own pesto, since I have an abundance of basil in the back yard, but you could use a pre-made pesto from the grocery to save a little on time. Be sure you get a pesto made from basil. Don’t be afraid to make your own though; it is really easy with a food processor.

Pesto Tortellini Salad Ingredients

• Package of fresh pre-made tortellini like Buitoni
• 1 cup Fresh spinach
• 1 cup chopped salami
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• Pesto – pre-made or for fresh: blend in the food processor 2 cups packed fresh basil, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2/3 cup EVOO, 1/2 cup parmesan, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Pulse everything but the oil until coarsely chopped then slowly drizzle the EVOO in.

To Make

Serves 6

Make the fresh pesto. Follow the instructions for the tortellini to cook, drain it reserving a bit of the cooking water, and then allow to cool. Mix together the spinach, salami, bell pepper, a touch of the starchy cooking water, and about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of pesto. Let flavors mingle in the refrigerator for an hour. Toss in pretty serving bowl and use fresh basil leaves to garnish.

Looking for some more summer dinner party inspiration?

Check out this hydrangea tablescape for al fresco dining!