Dinner

Turkey Cranberry and Walnut Pasta Salad Recipe

ByMaya Arden January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

Introduction

This Turkey Cranberry and Walnut Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch or an easy potluck dish. The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dried cranberries and mandarin oranges, while walnuts add a satisfying crunch.

The image shows a close-up of a pasta salad in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has three visible layers: the base layer consists of pale white bowtie pasta mixed with creamy white dressing, the middle layer has bright orange mandarin segments and light green celery pieces scattered throughout, and the top layer has small, dark red dried cranberries and some shredded cheese. A silver fork held by a woman's hand is digging into the salad, lifting a mix of pasta, celery, mandarin, and cranberry. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Dressing:

1/2 cup light mayonnaise

1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta Salad:

4 cups uncooked bowtie or rotini pasta, cooked to al dente then cooled

2 cups diced or shredded turkey breast
1 cup dried cranberries
4 green onions, thinly sliced

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 (8-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup California walnuts

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set the dressing aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced turkey, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, celery, drained mandarin oranges, and walnuts.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve, at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Step 5: Before serving, garnish with additional sliced green onions or walnuts if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover roasted turkey or cooked chicken for a quick substitute.

Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred.
Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula for some extra greens.
For a dairy-free version, replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise with avocado mayo.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and yogurt-based dressing.