Strawberry Turkey Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A refreshing pasta salad combining tender bow tie pasta with cubed turkey breast, sweet strawberries, and crunchy toasted walnuts. The homemade poppy seed dressing adds a tangy-sweet finish that complements the fresh fruit beautifully. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or light lunches when you want something satisfying yet fresh. The combination of protein-rich turkey and sweet strawberries creates an unexpectedly delicious flavor pairing that feels both elegant and approachable.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle), uncookedrotini or penne1:1shape
holds dressing well
- 3 cups turkey breast, cubed cookedchicken breast1:1protein
same preparation
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup walnut pieces, toasted
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- large lettuce leaves
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅝ cup oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seed
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water to cool, then drain well
- 2
Combine turkey, bell pepper, walnuts, and green onions in large bowl
- 3
Blend sugar, onion, salt, lemon juice and mustard in blender until mixed
- 4
Add oil in slow steady stream while blending until dressing is thick and smooth
- 5
Add poppy seed and pulse to mix
- 6
Add pasta to turkey mixture and stir gently
- 7
Add dressing and toss to combine
- 8
Gently stir in strawberries just before serving
- 9
Arrange lettuce on platter and spoon salad over top
Tips
Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant for best flavor
Add strawberries just before serving to prevent them from bleeding into the dressing
Make sure pasta is completely cool before mixing to prevent wilting other ingredients
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 2 days. Add strawberries just before serving each time.
Make salad and dressing separately up to 1 day ahead. Combine and add strawberries when ready to serve.
Serve immediately after adding strawberries to prevent color bleeding. Best at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Common Mistakes
Do not add strawberries too early to avoid discoloring the dressing
Ensure pasta is completely cooled before mixing to prevent wilting
Substitutions
holds dressing well
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything except strawberries up to 1 day ahead. Add strawberries just before serving to prevent color bleeding into the dressing.
What if I do not have poppy seeds?
You can omit them or substitute with sesame seeds. The dressing will still be delicious, just missing that distinctive poppy seed texture.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days. The strawberries may soften and bleed slightly but it will still taste good.