Turkey Dried Cherry Pasta Salad 🦃🍒🥗

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: Serves 4

Description:

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Turkey Dried Cherry Pasta Salad! Perfect for brunch or a quick meal, this recipe promises a burst of savory and sweet notes in every bite. Featuring succulent turkey, tangy dried cherries, and a medley of complementary ingredients, this salad is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon poppy seed
1 – 2 pinches salt
1 cup bow tie pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1 cup cooked turkey, diced
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:

Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it in olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare Dressing:

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, powdered sugar, champagne vinegar, water, pepper, poppy seed, and salt. Whisk together until the ingredients are well incorporated, and the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Set aside.

3. Assemble Salad:

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced turkey, dried cherries, diced onion, diced celery, and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. Gently toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

4. Add Dressing:

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, ensuring that all ingredients are coated evenly. Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preferences.

5. Garnish:

To garnish, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of sliced almonds over the top of the salad, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

6. Serve:

Serve the Turkey Dried Cherry Pasta Salad immediately as a standalone dish or as a side to complement your favorite entrees. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures with each mouthful!

Recipe Notes:

Cherry Substitution: While dried cherries offer a unique flavor profile, you may experiment with other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots. However, keep in mind that the distinct taste of dried cherries adds a special touch to this salad.
Make-Ahead Option: This salad can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve. Simply store it in an airtight container and toss gently before serving to refresh the flavors.
Customization: Feel free to customize this salad according to your preferences. You can add additional ingredients such as diced apples, toasted pecans, or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Turkey Dried Cherry Pasta Salad, where every bite is a symphony of taste sensations! Whether enjoyed as a quick meal or shared at brunch gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the harmonious blend of savory turkey, sweet dried cherries, and zesty dressing. Enjoy! 🍽️🥂