With summer just around the corner, it is pasta salad season! I love a standard pasta salad as much as the next person, but this recipe brings an additional level of excitement with the creamy pesto dressing. When I was originally creating this creamy pesto, I wanted something that enhanced the beautiful depth of a traditional pesto, without overpowering it. Buttermilk ended up being the best option, as it has an amazing tanginess that is wonderfully subtle.
My favorite part of this tortellini salad is the versatility. I’ve paired it with tomatoes — both fresh and sun-dried — as well as large delicious pieces of shaved Parmesan cheese; both add freshness and richness to the dish, all in one bite. I also topped the salad with micro arugula to add a bit of peppery bite.
This truly is a well-rounded salad that you should plan on serving at your next barbecue. However, if you would prefer to make a quick weeknight meal, serve it with a grilled or roasted chicken breast, and you have a perfectly well balanced dinner. _____ Preparation time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 8 Enjoy!.
