Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of tender pasta, savory turkey, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch that feels special yet easy to make.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bow-tie pasta or similar short pasta
• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup toasted chopped pecans or almonds
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 2/3 cup prepared poppy seed dressing
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the pecans or almonds by placing the chopped nuts in a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until lightly browned and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Add the granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing, and mix well until smooth.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped turkey, diced celery, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
5. Step 5: For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey for a quick protein boost.
• Swap pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra greens and texture.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir and, if it seems dry, add a little more poppy seed dressing or a splash of apple cider vinegar to refresh the flavors. This salad is best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Prepare it the day before serving and keep refrigerated.

What can I substitute for poppy seed dressing?

If you don’t have poppy seed dressing, you can use a honey mustard dressing or a simple mix of mayonnaise, a bit of honey, and apple cider vinegar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of tender bow-tie pasta, tender turkey, crunchy celery, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings, this salad offers a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz bow-tie pasta or similar short pasta

Protein & Vegetables

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Fruits & Nuts

• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup toasted chopped pecans or almonds

Dressing

• 2/3 cup prepared poppy seed dressing
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans or Almonds: Place the chopped pecans or almonds in a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until they turn lightly browned and emit a fragrant aroma, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let them cool before using.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the prepared poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped cooked turkey, diced celery, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and the toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. For best results, cover and chill the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

• To toast nuts evenly, keep stirring frequently to avoid burning.
• Rinsing pasta with cold water stops cooking and keeps the texture firm for the salad.
• Mayonnaise adds creaminess; adjust quantity for desired richness.
• Chilling the salad enhances flavor blending and texture.
• Can substitute turkey with chicken or ham as preferred.
• For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Keywords: pasta salad, turkey pasta salad, cranberry pasta salad, bow-tie pasta recipe, poppy seed dressing salad, easy pasta salad, holiday pasta salad