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Cranberry Pasta Salad

A chilled pasta salad combining tender turkey, tart dried cranberries, crisp vegetables, and toasted nuts in a creamy poppy seed dressing. Allowing the salad to rest before serving helps the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors blend evenly.
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Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cranberry Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
  • 1/2 cup celery cut into small cubes approximately 2 stalks
  • 12 ounces bow-tie pasta or another compact pasta shape such as rotini
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or almonds toasted
  • 2/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries

For the Dressing

  • 2/3 cup prepared poppy seed dressing
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar optional

Instructions

  • Place the chopped pecans or almonds in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the nuts become lightly golden and aromatic.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the toasted nuts to cool completely.
  • Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
  • Drain the pasta, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water, and set it aside to cool.
  • Combine the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
  • For a slightly sweeter finish, add the optional granulated sugar.
  • Whisk the mixture until the dressing is smooth and evenly blended.
  • Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the chopped turkey, diced celery, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and cooled toasted nuts.
  • Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients.
  • Gently toss until the pasta and remaining components are evenly covered with the dressing.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Notes

The granulated sugar may be omitted when a less sweet dressing is preferred.
Chilling the completed salad for at least 1 hour allows the dressing to permeate the ingredients and produces a more balanced flavor.