Cranberry Almond Bow-Tie Pasta Salad

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cranberry Almond Bow-Tie Pasta Salad.

1. Step 1

   Start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the bow-tie pasta and cook it until it's tender yet firm to the bite, which should take about 12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water until it's completely chilled. This step is crucial to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from becoming mushy.

2. Step 2

   Once your pasta is cool, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Now, it's time to add some flavor! Toss in the diced ham, thinly sliced celery, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Mix everything together gently, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

3. Step 3

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and white sugar until smooth. This creamy dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything until the pasta is well-coated and every bite is bursting with flavor.

4. Step 4

   For the best taste, let your pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious! When you're ready to serve, give it a quick stir and enjoy your refreshing Cranberry Almond Bow-Tie Pasta Salad.