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Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad

Bright & Refreshing Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad Bliss

Enjoy a delightful Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad with creamy dressing and crunchy pecans, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Bow-tie pasta Substitute with penne or rotini if you prefer.
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Chopped cooked turkey Can be replaced with shredded chicken or omitted for vegetarian.
  • 1 cup Diced celery Bell peppers or cucumbers work great as alternatives.
  • 1 cup Dried cranberries Raisins or chopped fresh fruit can be nice substitutes.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced green onions Substitute with chives or shallots for a twist.
  • 1/2 cup Pecans/Almonds Can substitute with walnuts or omit for a nut-free option.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Poppy seed dressing Can DIY with mayo, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Consider Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
  • 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar Can be swapped for white vinegar or lemon juice.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Non-Stick Pan
  • Colander
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by toasting the chopped pecans or almonds in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  3. While the pasta cools, whisk together the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a small mixing bowl.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped turkey, diced celery, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and your toasted nuts. Gently toss.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well-coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad is best made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

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