Cranberry Pasta Salad

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Creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory all in one bowl — this Cranberry Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of flavor and texture. With juicy rotisserie chicken, crunchy pecans, chewy dried cranberries, fresh greens, and a creamy poppy seed dressing tossed with al dente pasta, it delivers everything you want in a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick potluck dish, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s vibrant, balanced, and takes under 30 minutes to make. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what’s in your fridge. Let’s make this wholesome and hearty pasta salad your next go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pasta Salad

• Fast & Easy: Done in under 30 minutes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores beautifully for days.
• Balanced Nutrition: Protein, fiber, healthy fats, and carbs in one bowl.
• Crowd Favorite: Always a hit at parties or potlucks.
• Customizable: Swap proteins, nuts, or greens easily.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Salad?

Short pasta shapes that hold dressing well are ideal. Think rotini, bowtie (farfalle), or fusilli. They have lots of curves and edges to trap the creamy dressing and bits of cranberry or chicken. You can also use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if you prefer a healthier option.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Pasta Salad

Every ingredient plays a delicious role in this dish:

• Rotini Pasta (3 cups dry): The base of the salad. It holds the creamy dressing and other ingredients perfectly.
• Cooked Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups shredded): Adds protein and savory depth. Great for using leftovers.
• Dried Cranberries (3/4 cup): Brings sweet and tart notes that complement the dressing.
• Baby Arugula (2 cups packed): Adds freshness and a peppery bite.
• Toasted Pecans (1/2 cup): Crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing (1/2 cup): Sweet and tangy binder that ties the salad together.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances the flavors.

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How To Make the Cranberry Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil 3 cups of rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup of pecans for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 3/4 cup dried cranberries, and 2 cups baby arugula.

Step 4: Dress It Up

Pour in 1/2 cup creamy poppy seed dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Finish and Season

Add the toasted pecans and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final gentle toss.

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Serving and Storing Cranberry Pasta Salad

This recipe yields 6 servings and is hearty enough as a meal or perfect as a side dish. Serve chilled or at room temperature. For meal prep, portion into containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Avoid freezing, as the dressing and greens don’t thaw well.

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What to Serve With Cranberry Pasta Salad?

H3: Grilled Chicken Skewers

Add extra protein with some juicy grilled skewers on the side.

H3: Fresh Fruit Salad

Brighten your plate with a medley of melons, berries, and citrus.

H3: Buttery Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty bread is the ultimate pairing for creamy pasta.

H3: Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and earthy flavors that echo the cranberries in the salad.

H3: Lemonade or Iced Tea

A refreshing drink rounds out this balanced meal.

H3: Hummus with Veggie Sticks

Great for parties or healthy snacking.

H3: Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy soup + creamy salad = cozy comfort food.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Assemble the pasta, chicken, and cranberries, but add the dressing and arugula just before serving for best texture.

Can I use another type of dressing?

Definitely. Balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard also work well, but the sweet-tangy poppy seed is classic.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

How can I make this vegan?

Swap the chicken for chickpeas and use a dairy-free poppy seed dressing.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until they smell nutty.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use baby spinach instead of arugula? Maybe added goat cheese or swapped in walnuts?

I love seeing your variations and swaps. Share your twists and let’s keep inspiring one another.

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Conclusion

This Cranberry Pasta Salad is a celebration of flavor and texture, bringing together wholesome ingredients in one easy, make-ahead dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a picnic, this salad is as versatile as it is satisfying.

Looking for more seasonal or fresh salad recipes? Check out these gems:

• Tropical Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
• Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas
• Rainbow Smoothie Bowls
• Snack Prep Veggie Sticks with Easy Pesto Hummus

And for even more recipe ideas, head over to my Pinterest at Meals We Share.

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