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Fresh Christmas Pasta Salad Recipe

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A bright and festive pasta salad combining fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, tart cranberries, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup diced red and green bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit or swap for dairy-free cheese for vegan)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and set aside, keeping it warm. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Dice 1 cup red and green bell peppers, finely chop 1/2 cup celery, 1/4 cup red onion, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the drained warm pasta to the bowl with veggies and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the salad.
  5. Fold in 1 cup fresh or thawed cranberries and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. If using, add 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts. Toss gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid sogginess. Toss pasta while warm to absorb dressing better. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. Adjust dressing acidity or sweetness to taste. For vegan, omit feta and nuts or use plant-based cheese and maple syrup instead of honey. Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas pasta salad, festive pasta salad, holiday side dish, cranberry pasta salad, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/fresh-christmas-pasta-salad-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-festive-flavors/