Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Introduction

Celebrate the bounty and vibrant flavors of autumn with this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad. Brimming with seasonal produce like roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and sweet dried cranberries, this dish is the perfect blend of comforting textures and sweet-savory flavors. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping side for Thanksgiving, a potluck favorite, or a make-ahead lunch, this colorful salad effortlessly brings the best of fall right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

What makes this salad stand out is its beautiful medley of flavors and textures: tender pasta, earthy roasted vegetables, crunchy nuts, and a creamy, tangy maple Dijon dressing. The combination is not just delicious but also visually appealing, making it a guaranteed crowd pleaser for gatherings large and small. Best of all, it’s easily customizable—perfect for both vegetarians and omnivores.

The Perfect Autumn Ingredient Pairings

Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the fresh, crisp apples and tart dried cranberries. Toasted pecans or walnuts add depth and a satisfying crunch, while feta or goat cheese introduces a creamy, tangy component that complements the whole dish. The maple Dijon dressing ties everything together, balancing sweet and savory notes in every bite.

How to Assemble Your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Start by roasting your favorite fall vegetables until golden and tender. While the veggies cook, prepare your pasta, rinse it to cool, then toss it with the dressing to absorb all that autumn flavor. Combine with apples, greens, nuts, and cheese, mixing gently to preserve the salad’s bright, colorful look.

Serving Suggestions for Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Serve this salad slightly chilled or at room temperature—the flavors only get better as they mingle. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main vegetarian dish or shine as a substantial side alongside roast chicken or turkey. Pair with freshly baked bread or a bowl of soup for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, with each serving containing approximately 350 to 400 calories (depending on cheese and nut choices). It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome addition to your fall meal rotation.

Fall Harvest Pasta Salad (Recap)

With roasted veggies, seasonal fruit, crunchy nuts, and a luscious maple Dijon dressing, this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad offers everything you love about autumn—on one gorgeous plate.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Allow to cool completely.
3. Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a bowl or shake in a jar until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, roasted vegetables, apples, cranberries, nuts, and greens.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are well coated. Gently fold in feta or goat cheese.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Toss again before serving if needed.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is ideal for meal prep and busy weeks. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly meal plan and let CookifyAI create a smart shopping list that combines and organizes all ingredients from your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient amounts across recipes
• Sorts shopping list by grocery section for maximum efficiency
• Reduces duplicate purchases and ensures you never miss an ingredient
• Streamlines meal prep and helps minimize food waste

Pro tip: Schedule multiple recipes to see how ingredients like spinach or nuts overlap—CookifyAI will add up quantities so you buy just what you need!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes