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Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Delicious Fall Harvest Pasta Salad for Cozy Autumn Days

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of autumn with this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad, featuring roasted butternut squash and tangy cranberries.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta Choose whole wheat or gluten-free for a wholesome twist!
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Butternut Squash, diced Adds a sweet, creamy texture when roasted; sweet potatoes are a great substitute.
  • 1 cup Brussels Sprouts, halved Imparts a lovely bitterness that balances sweetness; zucchini or bell peppers work well as replacements.
For the Add-Ins
  • 0.5 cup Cranberries Provide a tangy burst of flavor; feel free to swap with dried cherries for a different taste.
  • 0.5 cup Pecans, chopped Crunchy and nutty, they enhance texture; walnuts can be used as an alternative.
  • 0.25 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled Brings creaminess and a salty kick; use vegan cheese or omit it for a dairy-free option.
For Roasting and Dressing
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Essential for roasting and as a base for the vinaigrette; avocado oil can also be utilized.
  • Balsamic Vinegar Adds necessary acidity and flavor; apple cider vinegar offers a unique twist if preferred.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • colander
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 12 ounces of your preferred pasta and cook until al dente, roughly 8–10 minutes. Once finished, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and prevent stickiness. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a mixing bowl, toss 1 cup of diced butternut squash and 1 cup of halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the seasoned vegetables on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until they are golden brown and tender.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of chopped pecans, and ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the mixture according to your taste preferences. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients in your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad are evenly combined and coated with the dressing.
  4. For best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. Serve your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the vibrant, seasonal tastes that embody autumn in every bite!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Ensure pasta is cooked al dente and chill for flavor. Customize your ingredients based on preferences.

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