Discover the Joy of Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is a delightful way to bring the flavors of the season to your table. It combines hearty roasted butternut squash, sweet cranberries, and creamy feta cheese. This salad is not just tasty; it’s also vibrant and colorful, making it perfect for any gathering. Whether you serve it at a potluck, a family dinner, or just as a weekday meal, you’ll find that everyone will enjoy this refreshing dish.

Simple Steps to Create Your Own Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Let’s dive into making this delicious pasta salad. You’ll need a few simple ingredients and just a bit of time. Here’s how to put it all together.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (fusilli or rotini)
• 1 small butternut squash, roasted and cubed
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the roasted butternut squash, cranberries, feta cheese, nuts, diced red onion, and greens.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
4. Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it.
5. Gently toss everything to combine all the flavors.
6. Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Harvest Pasta Delight

This pasta salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. For a full meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or pork chops. It also works great as a side dish at holiday gatherings!

Storing Your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad should stay fresh for up to three days. If you notice the dressing has soaked into the pasta, you can add a little extra olive oil before serving again.

Tips for Perfecting Your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

1. Roasting the Squash: Make sure your butternut squash is well-roasted to bring out its natural sweetness. Toss it in olive oil and a pinch of salt before roasting for extra flavor!
2. Pasta Texture: Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente for the best texture in the salad.
3. Nut Replacement: If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip the nuts or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.

Variations for Your Pasta Salad

Make this salad your own by adding other seasonal ingredients! You can throw in diced apples or pears for added sweetness, or include roasted Brussels sprouts for more fall flavors.

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional information can vary based on ingredient brands and measurements, this salad generally offers a good balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, making it a filling option.

Creative Ideas for Serving Your Salad to Family

This wonderful pasta salad can be a hit at family gatherings. To encourage everyone to try it, present it in a beautiful bowl and garnish with extra feta and nuts on top. You could even organize a little tasting party where everyone can add their favorite toppings!

Perfect Pairings for Your Pasta Salad

Enjoy your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad with a variety of dishes:

• Grilled chicken with thyme
• Roasted turkey or duck
• A rich pumpkin soup
• A warm loaf of bread

Common Questions About Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Q: Can I use different pasta shapes for this salad?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Farfalle, penne, or even whole grain pasta work well.

Q: How long can I keep the salad in the refrigerator?
A: It’s best enjoyed within three days for optimal freshness. Just give it a, stir before serving.

Q: Can I make this salad a day in advance?
A: Yes! Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve.

Enjoy whipping up this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad—it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

A vibrant and colorful pasta salad featuring roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and feta cheese, perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Seasonal

Servings 6 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 oz pasta (fusilli or rotini) Cook according to package instructions.
• 1 small butternut squash, roasted and cubed Ensure well-roasted for natural sweetness.
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Can substitute with seeds if allergies.
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 2 cups baby spinach or arugula

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and let it cool.
• In a large bowl, mix together the roasted butternut squash, cranberries, feta cheese, chopped nuts, diced red onion, and greens.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
• Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it.
• Gently toss everything to combine all the flavors.
• Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the dressing has soaked into the pasta, add a little extra olive oil before serving again. For added sweetness, consider including diced apples or pears.

Keyword Fall Recipes, Harvest Salad, Healthy Salad, Pasta Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash