Looking for a delightful dish that combines the savory goodness of turkey with the sweet burst of dried cherries? Look no further than this Turkey and Dried Cherry Pasta Salad! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner, this vibrant salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a refreshing meal that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and dice the cooked turkey into small, bite-sized cubes. If using leftover turkey, ensure it's at room temperature.
- Finely chop the celery into small, uniform pieces. Dice the red onion into small, consistent cubes.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced turkey, dried cherries, chopped celery, and diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mayonnaise-mustard dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Perfectly: To achieve that perfect al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the rotini pasta. A quick rinse under cold water after draining will stop the cooking process and keep it from becoming mushy.
- Utilize Leftovers: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals. Just make sure it’s diced and at room temperature before adding it to the salad.
- Chop Uniformly: For the best presentation and texture, chop the celery and red onion into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that every bite is balanced and flavorful.
- Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard proportions to suit your taste. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is key. This resting period lets the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish Creatively: Before serving, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
