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Cold Turkey Pasta Salad with Honey-Citrus Dressing Recipe

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4 from 23 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Cold Turkey Pasta Salad with Honey-Citrus Dressing is a refreshing and protein-rich salad combining tender rotini pasta, roasted turkey breast, crisp celery and cucumber, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and shredded carrots, all tossed in a bright and tangy honey-orange dressing. This wholesome and colorful salad is perfect for using up leftover turkey, meal prepping, or enjoying as a light and flavorful summer lunch.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley

Honey-Citrus Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cooked turkey breast, diced celery, cucumber, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, shredded carrots, and chopped parsley. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the honey-citrus dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss thoroughly but gently to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch before adding to the salad.
  • If you don’t have turkey, chicken can be used as a delicious alternative.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/cold-turkey-pasta-salad-with-honey-citrus-dressing-recipe/