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Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad

A delightful pasta salad combining sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a light dressing for a flavorful bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Nuts
  • 12 ounces short pasta (rotini or bow ties) Cook until tender but firm, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • 1 cup pecan halves Toast in a dry skillet for 3 to 5 minutes until nutty.
Dressing
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper
Salad Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion or green onion
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese Add if desired.
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil For color and fresh taste.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Cook 12 ounces of short pasta in salted boiling water until tender but still firm, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then drain well.
Toasting Nuts
  1. While pasta cools, toast 1 cup of pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring until they smell nutty.
  2. Let them cool and then chop roughly.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tanginess as desired.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Toss the cooled pasta with dried cranberries, chopped toasted pecans, sliced onions, and crumbled cheese if using.
  2. Add chopped fresh herbs for color and flavor.
Serving Preparation
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  2. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Notes

For variations, try adding diced apples, chopped celery, cooked chicken, or a sprinkle of toasted seeds. Adjust the dressing before serving to enhance flavor.