Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/bow-tie-cranberry-pasta-salad-recipe/
