If you’re looking for a dish that’s as delightful as it is versatile, let me introduce you to my Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad! This gem is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a light meal on a warm day. I love how the sweet, tart cranberries pair beautifully with the crunchy pecans, creating a refreshing yet hearty salad that’s just bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! You can serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course with a slice of crusty bread. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience you won’t forget!

Ingredients List

8 oz pasta (your choice: rotini, penne, or farfalle works great!)
1 cup cranberries (I recommend using dried cranberries for that perfect chewy texture)
1 cup pecans, chopped (toasted pecans add an amazing depth of flavor!)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (this gives a lovely creaminess to the salad)
1/4 cup red onion, diced (for a little zing – you can adjust based on your taste)
1/4 cup parsley, chopped (fresh parsley brightens it all up!)
1/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin works best for that rich flavor)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!)

How to Prepare Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain it and let it cool for a bit—this is key to keeping the salad fresh!
While your pasta is cooling, grab a large bowl and combine the cranberries, chopped pecans, crumbled feta, diced red onion, and chopped parsley. This mix is where all the magic happens!
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing is so simple yet elevates the whole dish!
Now, pour that delicious dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together gently. Make sure every piece is coated—yum!
For the best flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare—whip it up in just about 45 minutes!
Easy to customize; feel free to swap nuts or cheeses based on what you have!
Flavorful and refreshing with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Healthy ingredients make it a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop!

Tips for Success

To really make your Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First off, don’t skimp on the toasting of your pecans; it adds a wonderful nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish! Just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, and keep an eye on them—they can go from toasty to burnt pretty quickly!

If you’re looking to add a bit more crunch, consider tossing in some diced bell peppers or even sliced cucumbers. They’ll not only add texture but also a pop of color! And remember, let your salad chill for at least 30 minutes; this is crucial for letting those flavors meld together beautifully. Lastly, feel free to adjust the amount of cranberries based on your sweetness preference—more for a sweeter kick or less if you like it more savory!

Variations of Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad

One of the best things about my Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad is how easily it lends itself to variations! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or almonds; they each bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish. For cheese lovers, goat cheese offers a tangy twist, while a sharp cheddar can add a delightful bite.

Vegetable lovers can also get creative! Toss in some roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty touch or add in fresh spinach for a vibrant pop of green. You could even throw in some diced apples for an extra crunch and a hint of sweetness.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different dressings; a honey mustard vinaigrette could add a new dimension of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this salad so fun to make time and time again!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to reheat—this salad is best served chilled. Just give it a little toss to bring everything back together, and you’re good to go! If you find the salad has thickened a bit, a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar can help loosen it up. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information Section

When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect in a serving of my Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 200mg

This salad is not only delicious but also offers a healthy balance of nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for any meal. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself well while savoring every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few hours in advance or even the day before. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What type of pasta works best for this salad? I love using rotini or penne because their shapes hold onto the dressing and mix-ins perfectly. But honestly, any pasta you have on hand will work just fine!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? While fresh cranberries are delicious, they’re quite tart and may not provide the same sweetness as dried cranberries. If you want to use fresh, consider adding a bit of sugar to balance the flavors, or mix in some other sweet elements.

Is this salad gluten-free? To make this Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad gluten-free, just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. It’ll taste just as great!

How long does the salad last in the fridge? Your Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and it’ll be ready to enjoy!

Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad: 5 Delightful Flavor Combos

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and hearty pasta salad with pecans and cranberries.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
1 cup cranberries
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, cranberries, pecans, feta, onion, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Adjust the amount of cranberries based on your taste.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Pecan Cranberry Pasta Salad, pasta salad, vegetarian salad

Spread the love