1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this pasta salad?

Yes! If you don't have leftover turkey, chicken is a perfect substitute. It will still provide a great protein base and pair wonderfully with the cranberries and creamy dressing.

2. How long can I store leftover Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad?

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to blend and enhance the longer it sits, so it’s great for meal prep or as a make-ahead dish.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad gluten-free, simply swap the pasta with gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors without any concerns.

4. Can I prepare Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for prepping ahead of time. In fact, it’s best if you allow it to chill for at least an hour before serving so the flavors have time to meld together. It can even be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad: Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Name: Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces bow-tie pasta or other short pasta; 2 cups cooked chopped turkey; ½ cup diced celery; ⅔ cup dried cranberries; ⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds; ¼ cup green onions, sliced; ⅔ cup poppy seed dressing (store-bought or homemade); ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)

Description

Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of turkey, the sweetness of cranberries, and the crunchiness of toasted nuts and celery, all brought together with a creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or as a fresh, vibrant salad to complement any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces bow-tie pasta or other short pasta
2 cups cooked chopped turkey
½ cup diced celery
⅔ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds
¼ cup green onions, sliced
⅔ cup poppy seed dressing (store-bought or homemade)
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Toast the nuts: Heat the almonds (or your choice of nuts) in a small pan over medium heat until lightly browned. This enhances their flavor.
Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Add granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, turkey, celery, cranberries, toasted pecans, and green onions.
Add the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Chill the salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.
Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, serve the salad as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Notes

For a more tangy flavor, you can adjust the vinegar-to-mayo ratio in the dressing.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought creamy coleslaw dressing instead of making your own.
This salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
To make this salad gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop, Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 482
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 29mg