HEARTY HOLIDAY PASTA SALAD

Recipe: Hearty Holiday Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing (using dried cranberries and blue cheese)



HEARTY HOLIDAY PASTA SALAD

"Pasta tossed with broccoli, turkey, dried cranberries, blue cheese, walnuts and a lemon dressing."

8 ounces (about 3 cups) uncooked dry bow tie pasta
1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, bite-size pieces
FOR THE LEMON DRESSING:
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pure vegetable oil
FOR THE SALAD:
2 cups chopped leftover cooked turkey
1 package (6 ounces) sweetened dried cranberries (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup (4 ounces) blue cheese crumbles
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli the last 2 minutes. Drain pasta and broccoli. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well.

TO MAKE THE LEMON DRESSING:
Combine lemon juice, onion, sugar and salt in small bowl; whisk until blended. Slowly whisk in oil; set aside.

TO PREPARE THE SALAD:
Place pasta and broccoli, cranberries, turkey, blue cheese and walnuts in large bowl; toss together. Add lemon juice mixture; toss lightly. Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 8 servings