Why You’ll Love Pesto Tortellini Bites Recipe
These bites are a fun twist on traditional appetizers, combining the hearty texture of tortellini with bold flavors like pesto, tangy olives, and savory salami. They’re handheld, colorful, and crowd‑pleasing, making them ideal for entertaining. The assembly is quick with almost no cooking beyond boiling the pasta, so you can spend more time with your guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
9oz pack tri‑colored tortellini
1/3 cup pesto
1 cup sundried tomatoes
2 cups pitted green olives, preferably in oil and seasoning from an olive bar
4 oz peppered salami
8 oz white sharp cheddar, cubed
Large party toothpicks
Directions
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Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, removing it from the heat one minute earlier than directed so it remains firm enough to skewer. Rinse under cold water and let cool.
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Gently toss the cooked tortellini in the pesto until evenly coated.
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To assemble, thread one piece of tortellini, one sundried tomato, one olive, one folded piece of salami, and one cube of cheese onto a toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
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If desired, drizzle additional pesto over the assembled bites before serving.
Servings and timing
Yield: About 20 bites (depending on how many you assemble)
Prep: Approximately 10 minutes
Cook: Approximately 10 minutes
Total: Around 20 minutes
Variations
• Cheese options: Swap the white sharp cheddar for fresh mozzarella balls or pepper jack cubes for a milder or spicier profile.
• Meat swaps: Use prosciutto or pepperoni instead of peppered salami for a different flavor.
• Olives: Substitute kalamata olives or stuffed olives for green olives to adjust the saltiness and texture.
• Extras: Add fresh basil leaves or cherry tomatoes on the skewers for extra freshness and color.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. These bites are best served chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated, as the ingredients are designed to be enjoyed cold.
FAQs
How long will these pesto tortellini bites stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2–3 days. The longer they sit, the softer the tortellini may become.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours before serving and keep them chilled until needed.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used; just cook according to package directions, rinse, cool, and proceed with the recipe.
What kind of pesto should I use?
Prepared pesto from the store works well, or you can use homemade pesto for a fresher flavor.
Are there vegetarian versions of this recipe?
To make it vegetarian, omit the salami and add extra olives or vegetables like cherry tomatoes or roasted peppers.
Can this be made gluten‑free?
Yes, substitute gluten‑free tortellini to make the recipe suitable for gluten‑free diets.
What can I serve with these bites?
They pair well with crudités, a fresh green salad, or other appetizers like bruschetta or cheese platters.
Do I have to use toothpicks?
Toothpicks make them easier to serve and eat, but you can also serve the components in a bowl as a pasta salad.
Can I add a dressing or dip?
A simple balsamic glaze or extra pesto on the side makes a nice dipping option.
How many bites does this recipe yield?
It typically yields around 20 bites, depending on how you assemble them and how many ingredients you use per skewer.
Conclusion
Pesto Tortellini Bites are a flavorful, easy‑to‑assemble appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. With minimal cooking and maximum taste, they bring together vibrant ingredients like pesto, sundried tomatoes, olives, salami, and sharp cheddar in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday event or preparing snacks for game day, these bites are sure to be a hit.
