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Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad

Delicious Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad for Effortless Gatherings

This Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad combines vibrant flavors in a quick and easy dish perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz Bow-Tie Pasta Can substitute with penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
  • 2 cups Cooked Turkey Can swap with rotisserie chicken or omit for vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Diced Celery Chopped bell peppers can be used as alternative.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Raisins or chopped dried apricots can be alternatives.
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions Chives or shallots can be used instead.
  • 1/2 cup Pecans/Almonds Walnuts or omitted for nut-free version.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Poppy Seed Dressing Can switch to vinaigrette or favorite creamy dressing.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a lighter choice; vegan mayo fits a dairy-free diet.
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Lemon juice or red wine vinegar can be alternatives.

Equipment

  • Non-stick pan
  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by heating a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add chopped pecans or almonds, toasting them for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and allow them to cool.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add bow-tie pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cooked turkey, diced celery, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and cooled toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until well coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. If preparing in advance, refrigerate for up to a day without the nuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Always allow the pasta to cool completely before adding the dressing to prevent sogginess. Store salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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