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cranberry fusilli salad

A vibrant, tangy, and absolutely delicious cranberry fusilli salad that is colorful, filling, and fresh, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl.
  2. Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to the ice bath. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to prepare the dressing.
  4. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large serving bowl. Add the dried cranberries, diced celery, chopped red onion, nuts, feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and fold everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after sitting overnight. Reserve some dressing to add just before serving if the salad seems dry.