Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing lunch. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite.

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 for 3–5 minutes until they turn lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Step 2: Cook the bow-tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
3. Step 3: Prepare the dressing by combining the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Add granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste, then mix 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 until everything is well coated. For best flavor, chill for at least one hour before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting chicken for turkey to make this salad more versatile.
• Use walnuts instead of pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Adding a handful of fresh spinach or arugula can brighten up the salad with some greens.
• For a dairy-free option, swap mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully when chilled overnight. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss; if it feels dry, add a little more dressing. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, making the salad a few hours or even the day before serving allows the flavors to blend and results in a tastier dish.

What can I use instead of poppy seed dressing?

If you don’t have poppy seed dressing, you can substitute with honey mustard dressing or a simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, and honey for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

This Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of tender bow-tie pasta, savory turkey, crunchy toasted nuts, and sweet dried cranberries all tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a side dish at your next picnic or potluck, this salad blends textures and flavors beautifully, with a touch of sweet and tangy from the apple cider vinegar and optional sugar.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 12 oz bow-tie pasta or similar short pasta
• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped

Vegetables and Fruit

• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Nuts

• 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 are lightly browned and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Cook the Pasta: 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 the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Add the granulated sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor. Mix well until smooth.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked pasta, chopped cooked turkey, diced celery, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and toasted pecans or almonds. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Chill the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

• Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
• Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and cools it for the salad.
• The salad is best served chilled to let the flavors blend.
• You can substitute turkey with cooked chicken if desired.
• For a vegetarian option, omit turkey and add extra nuts or veggies.

Keywords: Bow-Tie Pasta Salad, Cranberry Pasta Salad, Turkey Pasta Salad, Poppy Seed Dressing Salad, Picnic Salad Recipe, Thanksgiving Salad