Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad – Easy & Amazing Recipe

Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad is the kind of dish you didn’t know you needed in your life—until you try it and wonder how you ever survived a potluck or picnic without it. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, pulling together a crowd-pleasing side dish, or looking to give your leftover turkey a second act, Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad checks all the boxes. It’s sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—all the textures we love in one colorful bowl.

The dried cranberries add just the right amount of tangy sweetness, the pecans bring that toasted crunch, and the dressing? Oh, the dressing—it’s got poppy seeds, mayo, and apple cider vinegar for that creamy, zippy flavor that ties everything together. And here’s the kicker: it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. So even if dinner is in 30 minutes and you’re staring into your fridge like it’s the Bermuda Triangle, this pasta salad’s got your back. Bonus: it makes the most of what you’ve already got in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why this might just become your new go-to.

Table of Contents

What is Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad?

Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad is like the cool cousin of traditional pasta salad—it still brings all the cozy, carby comfort of pasta, but with a sweet and savory twist that makes it stand out at any table. At its core, this dish combines bow-tie pasta (aka farfalle) with juicy dried cranberries, toasty pecans, chopped turkey, green onions, and celery, all tossed in a tangy-sweet poppy seed and mayo dressing. It’s kind of like Thanksgiving met your favorite deli counter and they decided to create something fresh, delicious, and absolutely picnic-ready.

You can serve it cold, make it ahead, and even tweak it depending on what’s in your fridge. It works beautifully for meal prep, holiday leftovers, or just a refreshing change from the usual pasta dishes. Think of it as a cross between a turkey salad and a pasta salad, but with more personality. And if you’re someone who likes texture in every bite—this one’s got layers. It’s perfect for family dinners, friendly gatherings, or let’s be real—just because you’re craving something amazing on a Tuesday night.

Reasons to Try Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad

First of all, let’s talk flavor: Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad gives you a little bit of everything. You get the savory satisfaction from turkey and green onions, a sweet pop from the dried cranberries, and the rich, creamy hug of that dreamy dressing. It’s not just tasty—it’s balanced. Second, it’s a time-saver. You can make it ahead, chill it, and pull it out when you’re ready to wow the room (or just your kids on a weeknight). Got leftover turkey? Perfect.

Got only 30 minutes to pull something together? Even better. It’s also flexible—you can swap out the turkey for chicken, or even go vegetarian with chickpeas. Want to make it dairy-free? Sub the mayo with a plant-based version. It’s forgiving and doesn’t need you to be a culinary wizard. Finally, this pasta salad travels well. Bring it to a cookout, baby shower, office party—you name it. It doesn’t get soggy, and it only gets tastier as it chills. If you love salads like Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad or Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, this one will be your next obsession.

Ingredients Needed to Make Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad

For the salad:
– 12 oz bow-tie pasta (or rotini if that’s what you’ve got)
– 2/3 cup dried cranberries (Ocean Spray Craisins are a solid choice)
– 1/3 cup toasted chopped pecans (or almonds for a nutty switch-up)
– 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped (leftovers, anyone?)
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
– 1/2 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)

For the dressing:
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar (totally optional)
– 1/3 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or your fave)
– 2/3 cup poppy seed dressing (Briannas is a classic go-to)

Instructions to Make Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Toast the Pecans or Almonds

Let’s kick things off with a little toasting action. Grab a small non-stick pan and toss in your chopped pecans (or almonds, if you’re going that route). Set the heat to medium and stay close—these guys can go from golden to burnt real quick. Stir them around every 30 seconds or so. You’re aiming for that toasty, nutty aroma and a warm brown color—this should take about 3–5 minutes. Once they’re fragrant and just a tad darker, pull them off the heat and let them cool. This step really brings out the flavor and crunch, so don’t skip it unless you’re in a massive rush.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Time for the bow-ties to shine. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Don’t forget a generous pinch of salt—it’s your pasta’s only shot at seasoning from the inside out. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions. We want it al dente—cooked through but still with a little bite. Nobody wants mushy pasta in their salad. When it’s ready, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set it aside while we work some magic elsewhere.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. If you’ve got a sweet tooth or just love that tangy-sweet combo, go ahead and add that optional teaspoon of sugar. Whisk it all together until it’s silky smooth. This is what’s going to tie all those bright, fresh ingredients together into one dreamy bite. The poppy seeds add fun texture and flavor, the mayo adds creaminess, and the vinegar brings in that zippy lift. It’s the trio you didn’t know you needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now comes the satisfying part. In a big ol’ bowl, toss in your cooled pasta, chopped cooked turkey, diced celery, dried cranberries, green onions, and those perfectly toasted pecans. Drizzle the dressing over the top, making sure to scrape every last bit from the bowl—it’s too good to waste. Then toss it all together gently until every bow-tie is coated and every bite looks like it’s had its fair share of the good stuff. If you’ve got time, cover it and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This little rest lets all the flavors hang out and get cozy. And if you’re wondering what else you can prep ahead like this, check out Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein for more make-ahead magic.

What to Serve with Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is the kind of dish that plays well with others. If you’re serving it at a cookout or picnic, pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or even skewers. It also makes a fabulous companion to a Fresh and Easy Vietnamese Noodle Salad or Cold Thai Noodle Salad for a fun mix of flavors. For a lighter lunch, serve it with a leafy green salad or a bowl of Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach on a chilly day. It’s versatile enough to be the star of the show or a stellar sidekick.

Key Tips for Making Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad

Don’t overcook your pasta—al dente is your friend here. Always rinse it with cold water to cool it down fast. Toasting the nuts is a quick step that adds BIG flavor, so try not to skip it. Want to keep it vegetarian? Chickpeas or white beans work great in place of turkey. If you’re prepping it ahead, don’t mix in the nuts until you’re ready to serve—they stay crunchier that way. And if you’re low on poppy seed dressing, a creamy vinaigrette or honey mustard makes a great swap. You can even make a DIY version if you’re in a pinch (just Google “homemade poppy seed dressing” and thank yourself later).

Storage and Reheating Tips for Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a fridge MVP. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving since the dressing can settle a bit. If you’re making it ahead for a party or lunch meal prep, hold off on adding the pecans until you’re about to eat—it keeps the texture fresh. No need to reheat—this one is meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to hang out. If you’re looking for other chill-friendly dishes, Easy Pesto Pasta Salad is another solid option to keep in your rotation.

FAQs

Can I make Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the turkey and sub in chickpeas, white beans, or even cubes of roasted sweet potato.

What’s the best substitute for poppy seed dressing?
If you don’t have poppy seed dressing, try a creamy balsamic, honey mustard, or even a quick mix of mayo, Dijon, vinegar, and a touch of honey.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just wait to add the nuts until serving to keep the crunch.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Definitely. Any cooked poultry works, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken if you’re in a hurry.

What if I don’t have bow-tie pasta?
No problem—rotini, penne, or even macaroni all work great in this salad.

Final Thoughts

Bow-Tie Cranberry Pasta Salad is that rare combo of fast, flavorful, and fancy-enough-for-company. It’s flexible, fridge-friendly, and full of personality. Whether you’re using up leftovers, prepping ahead for a busy week, or just want something a little different than your usual dinner rotation, this salad delivers. It’s got texture, taste, and a little sweet-savory twist that makes it totally crave-worthy. Next time you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing recipe, remember this little gem. And if you’re looking to expand your cold pasta salad game, don’t miss our Creamy Pasta Salad or The Best Caprese Pasta Salad. Now go grab your mixing bowl—you’re going to love how easy this one is to whip up.

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

Print