Best 7 Layered Tortellini Pesto Chicken Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Layered Tortellini Pesto Chicken Salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This vibrant dish features layers of tender tortellini, succulent chicken, a burst of pesto, and a medley of crisp vegetables, all harmoniously united in a creamy dressing. Served chilled, it's a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light summertime feast. Alongside the main recipe, discover variations that cater to different dietary preferences, including a vegetarian option with roasted vegetables and a gluten-free version with quinoa instead of tortellini. Dive into a world of culinary delight with our Layered Tortellini Pesto Chicken Salad and its versatile variations.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN TORTELLINI SALAD RECIPE



Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe image

This pasta salad with chicken and fresh vegetables makes a quick and delicious summer dinner and an even better lunch for the next day. Get a jump on meal planning and prep this recipe a day in advance. Make and refrigerate the basil vinaigrette (shake it well before dressing the salad). Mix the tortellini, shredded rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and corn in a large bowl; cover and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve the salad, dress the tortellini mixture with the dressing, stir in arugula, and top with toasted pecans. Get in the habit of toasting nuts every time you use them; toasting adds a depth of flavor and a wonderful aroma, as well as improving the texture of nuts so they stay crisp on top of salads or baked into breads and cookies. Toast several cups of nuts at one time, store in freezer-safe containers in the freezer, then pull out the amount you need when cooking. This salad recipe works well with whatever vegetables you have in your refrigerator or garden. Zucchini and yellow squash, bell peppers, heirloom tomatoes, and blanched snow peas are delicious dressed with the basil vinaigrette; just use your imagination. If arugula isn't available, use baby spinach leaves, instead. Keep a bottle of the basil vinaigrette in the refrigerator this summer and, along with dressing your favorite greens use it over grilled chicken and fish.

Provided by Pam Lolley

Categories     Healthy and Light

Time 20m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 (9-oz.) pkg. refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini, cooked according to pkg. directions, rinsed in cool water, and drained
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup drained and rinsed black-eyed peas (from 1 [15 1/2-oz.] can)
1/2 cup fresh corn kernels (from 1 ear)
1 cup baby arugula
3 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans

Steps:

  • Whisk together balsamic vinegar, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt in a small bowl until combined. Gradually add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in basil, and set aside.
  • Gently toss together cooked tortellini, chicken, tomatoes, peas, corn, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl. Gently stir in basil vinaigrette and fold in arugula. Sprinkle with pecans.

CHICKEN AND TORTELLINI SALAD



Chicken and Tortellini Salad image

A simple Mediterranean-inspired Chicken and Tortellini Salad is the recipe of the season! This crowd-pleasing dish is a great make-ahead dinner, an easy contribution to your next potluck, and a packable solution for picnics or travel.

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Lunch/Dinner

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 15

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 (9 or 10 ounce) package fresh three cheese tortellini pasta
2 cups loosely packed baby spinach
1 cup diced red onion
1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
1 cup diced seedless cucumber
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped

Steps:

  • Prepare the Vinaigrette: Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a large jar or measuring cup. Shake (or whisk) until completely combined. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper on all sides, to taste. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken in the skillet and allow the chicken to cook on one side, undisturbed, for at least 6-7 minutes. Flip, and cook the chicken for about 6-8 more minutes, or until it is nicely browned on both sides and cooked through.
  • The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F, or when juices run clear.
  • When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board to rest.
  • Prepare the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini in a large saucepot according to package instructions. Drain.
  • While the tortellini cooks, dice the chicken into bite-size pieces.
  • Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently combine diced chicken, cooked tortellini, spinach, onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Pour about ¼ cup vinaigrette over the salad (or more, to taste). Reserve remaining vinaigrette.*
  • Cover and refrigerate salad until ready to serve. You can prepare this dish up to 1 day in advance. Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 260.6 kcal, Carbohydrate 18.3 g, Protein 19.6 g, Fat 12.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Cholesterol 46.8 mg, Sodium 331.2 mg, Fiber 2.4 g, Sugar 1 g

{ONE POT} PESTO CHICKEN TORTELLINI



{One Pot} Pesto Chicken Tortellini image

A ONE pot, easy and quick, pesto chicken tortellini with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil

Provided by Chelsea

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 13

Optional: 1/2 cup buttermilk*
1 package (20 ounces) Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini
1/2 pound (~2 small) boneless skinless chicken breasts*
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fine sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons olive oil ((I use the sun-dried tomato oil from the tomatoes))
2 cloves garlic, (minced)
Fresh basil sprig, (optional)
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in olive oil, (coarsely chopped (and reserved sun dried tomato oil for this recipe))
1 container (7 ounces) Buitoni Pesto with Basil Sauce ((about 1/2 cup + 3-4 tablespoons))
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, Buitoni Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large NONSTICK pot of salted water to boil. Follow package directions to cook tortellini.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste (I use 1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Drain the chicken from the buttermilk, dab with paper towel, and toss the chicken pieces to coat in the seasoning mix. Add the flour right on top and stir until chicken pieces are coated.
  • In the same pot used to cook the tortellini (must be a nonstick pot) add in 3 tablespoons reserved olive oil from the sundried tomatoes. Heat on medium heat for about 30 seconds and then add in a sprig of basil and the garlic. Stir for another 30 seconds and then increase the heat to medium and add in the chicken. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally until cooked through and no longer pink inside. If needed, add additional sundried tomato oil. When the chicken is almost cooked through, remove the basil and add in the sundried tomatoes and saute until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Add the drained tortellini back in with the chicken and reduce the heat to low. Gently stir for 1-2 minutes and remove from heat.
  • Stir in the basil pesto sauce and 1-2 tablespoons of oil from the sundried tomatoes as desired. Taste and season with salt and pepper and red pepper flakes if desired.
  • Garnish plates with fresh basil and add parmesan cheese.

CHICKEN AND TORTELLINI PESTO SKILLET



Chicken and Tortellini Pesto Skillet image

A delicious chicken and tortellini pesto dinner that needs only one pan to create.

Provided by My Hot Southern Mess

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cubed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup prepared pesto
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup baby spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (16 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Saute until chicken is cooked through and has browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and transfer to a bowl; cover to keep warm. Set aside.
  • Deglaze pan with chicken broth over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in pesto and heavy cream. Cook until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Mix in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Add in spinach and tomatoes. Cook until spinach begins to wilt, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add tortellini and cooked chicken and continue cooking until bubbly and hot, 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.8 calories, Carbohydrate 38 g, Cholesterol 143.4 mg, Fat 34.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 43.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.1 g, Sodium 834.8 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

LAYERED VEGGIE TORTELLINI SALAD



Layered Veggie Tortellini Salad image

Tortellini and a Parmesan dressing give this layered salad an unexpected twist. It's great for a potluck. -Dennis Vitale, New Preston, Connecticut

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
PARMESAN DRESSING:
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a 2-1/2-qt. glass bowl, layer the tortellini, broccoli, tomatoes, celery, olives and cheddar cheese. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients; spoon over salad, or serve alongside. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 286 calories, Fat 20g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 374mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

PESTO TORTELLINI SALAD



Pesto Tortellini Salad image

"I came up with this recipe when I tried recreating a pasta salad I had at a wedding rehearsal," says Danielle Weets of Grandview, Washington. "It's easy to make and I'm always asked to bring it to potlucks and parties."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup prepared pesto

Steps:

  • Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a small bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 376 calories, Fat 20g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 832mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

TORTELLINI PESTO SALAD



Tortellini Pesto Salad image

Wonderful pasta salad. So different from the Italian dressing pasta salads. Very hearty side dish or main dish for lunch. Crunchy veggies and rich pesto sauce.

Provided by Jenny Saunders

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
1 small red bell pepper, julienned
¾ cup broccoli florets, blanched
⅓ cup shredded carrots
⅓ cup pitted green olives
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup prepared basil pesto
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 bunch fresh spinach leaves

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place tortellini in the pot, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and cool.
  • In a large bowl, mix the cooked tortellini, red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, olives, and garlic.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, pesto, milk, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and vinegar. Pour over the tortellini and vegetables, and gently toss to coat. Cover, and place in the refrigerator 1 hour, until chilled. Serve over spinach leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 382.8 calories, Carbohydrate 26.1 g, Cholesterol 31.3 mg, Fat 27.3 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 11.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 614.6 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil.
  • If you don't have any pesto on hand, you can make your own by blending together fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic.
  • To make the chicken more flavorful, marinate it in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
  • If you don't have any tortellini, you can use another type of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
  • Be sure to drain the pasta well before adding it to the salad, otherwise it will make the salad watery.
  • You can add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or zucchini.
  • For a vegetarian version of the salad, omit the chicken and add more vegetables.
  • Serve the salad immediately, or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

This layered tortellini pesto chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. The combination of fresh flavors and textures makes this salad a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken and tortellini. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy summer salad, give this recipe a try!

Related Topics