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Apple, Grape and Pecan Pasta Salad

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Apple, Grape, and Pecan Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish featuring crisp apples, juicy grapes, toasted pecans, and tender pasta. Tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, offering a delightful balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz short pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
  • 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), diced
  • 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
  • ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Chop roughly and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar or lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add cooked pasta, diced apples, grapes, celery, and green onions to the bowl. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Fold in chopped pecans just before serving for maximum crunch.
  6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to blend flavors.

Notes

  • Add shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for a heartier version.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds if desired.
  • Use vanilla yogurt and omit onions/celery for a sweeter twist.
  • Mix in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
  • Crumbled feta or diced cheddar adds a nice creamy tang.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/apple-grape-and-pecan-pasta-salad/