Description
This autumn apple pasta salad is a refreshing and wholesome dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Featuring tender cooked pasta combined with crisp apples, celery, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a creamy and tangy Greek yogurt-based dressing sweetened with honey and balanced with lemon juice. It’s easy to prepare in just 10 minutes and provides a delightful harmony of sweet, tart, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (macaroni or rotini)
- 2 apples, diced
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, diced apples, celery, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans thoroughly to evenly distribute all the components.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the flavors meld well.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate to allow flavors to meld for later serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Fuji depending on your flavor preference.
- To keep apples from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before mixing in the salad.
- This salad can be made ahead and chilled, but add pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and honey with maple syrup.
- Adjust the honey and lemon juice quantities to balance sweetness and acidity to your liking.
