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Cold Turkey Pasta Salad with Honey-Citrus Dressing Recipe

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4.1 from 138 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Cold Turkey Pasta Salad with Honey-Citrus Dressing is a refreshing and protein-rich salad featuring tender rotini pasta, diced roasted turkey breast, crisp celery and cucumber, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, shredded carrots, and fresh parsley. Tossed in a bright and tangy honey-orange vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for summer lunches, meal prep, or using up leftover turkey.

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 the pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain well and rinse under cold water to cool completely and stop the cooking process, then set aside.
  2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced turkey breast, celery, cucumber, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, shredded carrots, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well emulsified.
  4. Toss salad with dressing: Pour the honey-citrus dressing over the assembled salad and toss thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and serve chilled for a refreshing meal.

Notes

  • Toast the pecans briefly in a dry skillet for a nuttier flavor and extra crunch.
  • Substitute cooked chicken breast if turkey is not available or preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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