Cranberry Pasta Salad

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Cranberry pasta salad is a bright, refreshing, and satisfying dish that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and tangy. With chewy cranberries, crunchy nuts, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing hugging tender pasta, this salad has layers of flavor and texture in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that surprises people—it looks simple, but the taste is delightfully complex.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or as a chilled weekday lunch, this pasta salad is versatile and easy to make ahead. Whether you serve it alongside grilled chicken or enjoy it as a standalone dish, the cranberry twist keeps it interesting and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pasta Salad

This salad checks all the boxes: it’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and just a little different from the usual pasta salad. The cranberries provide a pop of natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the creamy dressing and al dente pasta. It’s also incredibly flexible—you can add protein like grilled chicken or toss in extra greens to suit your taste.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cranberry Pasta Salad?

Short pasta shapes with plenty of ridges or curves are the way to go here. Think rotini, farfalle, or cavatappi. These varieties hold the dressing well and create just the right bite with dried cranberries and other add-ins. Avoid spaghetti or long noodles—they just don’t work as well for this kind of salad.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Pasta Salad

Making this salad is about layering texture and flavor, and each ingredient plays an important role. Here’s what you need:

Pasta: Choose rotini or farfalle for the perfect texture and dressing coverage.

Dried Cranberries: The star ingredient brings sweetness and chewiness.

Celery: Adds a fresh crunch and slight bitterness that balances the sweet cranberries.

Green Onions: A mild onion bite that lifts the flavor.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.

Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens the richness of the mayo.

Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to enhance the cranberries.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a gentle tang to balance the dressing.

Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.

Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: For crunch and earthy nuttiness.

How To Make the Cranberry Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, dried cranberries, chopped celery, green onions, and nuts. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. Give it a quick stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Pasta Salad

This salad serves about 6 people as a side dish or 3 to 4 as a light main. It’s best served chilled, making it ideal for summer gatherings or meal prep. If you’re serving it at a potluck, pack it in a chilled container to keep it fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If the salad thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water or a spoonful of yogurt to bring back its creaminess.

What to Serve With Cranberry Pasta Salad?

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Juicy grilled chicken brings savory balance to the sweet-tangy salad.

Lemon Herb Salmon

The fresh citrusy flavor of the salmon pairs well with the creamy tang.

Garlic Breadsticks

Add a warm and savory crunch to contrast the chilled pasta.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Earthy and sweet squash enhances the cranberry’s natural notes.

Fresh Arugula Salad

A peppery green salad adds brightness and a different texture.

Turkey or Ham Sandwiches

Great for a picnic lunch alongside the cranberry salad.

Caprese Skewers

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil make a light and juicy pairing.

Sweet Potato Fries

The savory-sweet balance makes a great match with the tangy dressing.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this cranberry pasta salad, check out a few more creative and flavor-packed favorites:

• Apple Salad for a fresh and juicy crunch.
• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for a citrusy protein-packed option.
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad for a tangy, creamy twist on classic eggs.
• Easter Fruit Fluff Salad when you’re craving something extra sweet and colorful.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you want a warm, hearty pasta idea.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can find it whenever the craving strikes.

And if you try it, let me know how it turned out! Did you go with pecans or walnuts? Did you swap the mayo for sour cream? I love hearing your spins on it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next crave-worthy salad.

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