Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad – Easy and Flavorful Recipe

Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to turn leftover turkey into something extraordinary. This flavorful pasta salad is bursting with a delightful combination of tender turkey, sweet and tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh celery, all coated in a creamy poppy seed dressing. Whether it’s the holidays, a family gathering, or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is both easy to prepare and absolutely satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad

Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is an incredibly versatile and delicious recipe. It’s not just about leftover turkey; this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. The balance of sweet cranberries, savory turkey, and crunchy nuts, combined with a tangy dressing, makes this pasta salad an irresistible choice. It’s ideal for meal prepping, potlucks, or even as a quick dinner.

Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad

• Bow-tie pasta: Short pasta shapes like bow-ties are perfect for soaking up the creamy dressing, giving each bite a satisfying texture.
• Cooked turkey: This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover turkey, but rotisserie chicken or even ham can also work wonderfully.
• Diced celery: Adds a crisp crunch to the salad, balancing the creaminess of the dressing.
• Dried cranberries: Sweet and tart cranberries provide a burst of flavor that complements the savory ingredients perfectly.
• Toasted pecans or almonds: Toasting nuts brings out their rich flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Green onions: For a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
• Poppy seed dressing: The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar, enhances the flavor profile with its sweet and tangy notes.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a zesty kick to balance out the sweetness of the cranberries and mayo.
• Granulated sugar (optional): If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add sugar for extra sweetness.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• For a dairy-free version: Swap the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo and use a dairy-free poppy seed dressing.
• For a nut-free version: Omit the nuts or replace them with roasted sunflower seeds or chickpeas for crunch.
• For added protein: If you’re not using turkey, chicken, or ham, consider adding grilled tofu or a hard-boiled egg for an extra protein boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad

1. Toast the nuts: Start by toasting your almonds or pecans in a small non-stick pan over medium heat until lightly browned. This will only take a few minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked turkey, diced celery, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and sliced green onions. Toss everything gently to combine.
5. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
6. Chill before serving: For best results, chill the salad in the fridge for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
• Let it chill: This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to develop. Let it chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add a little extra sugar to the dressing or use a sweeter dressing like honey mustard.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is already a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with various dishes for a more complete spread:

• Side Dishes: Serve this salad alongside a light green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Variation: For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the salad.
• Make-Ahead: This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Seasonal and Health Benefits of Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad

This dish is perfect for the colder months, especially around the holidays when turkey is in abundance. The combination of turkey, cranberries, and nuts not only provides a comforting meal but also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Turkey is high in protein, while cranberries are rich in antioxidants, making this pasta salad a tasty and healthful option.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish, Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is a must-try. With its balance of flavors and textures, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Conclusion

Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings together all the flavors of the holidays in one bite. Whether you’re using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or preparing it for a family gathering, this salad offers a refreshing mix of sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing. With its balanced texture and flavors, it’s a perfect addition to any meal or as a standalone dish. Easy to prepare and customizable to your preferences, this recipe is bound to be a hit at your next gathering or whenever you’re in need of a quick, satisfying meal.

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