Winter Fruit and Pasta Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup peeled and chopped apples
• 1 cup chopped pears
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

12-15 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, onion, celery, carrots, apples, pears, walnuts, cranberries, and parsley.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Refreshing and flavorful winter dish
• Combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy ingredients
• Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish

User Comments:

• "This salad is a delight to the senses! The combination of winter fruits with the creamy dressing is perfect."
• "I love the versatility of this salad. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables."
• "This salad is so satisfying and filling. It's perfect for a cold winter day."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To avoid overcooking the pasta, cook it al dente.
• If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute dried parsley flakes.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.