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