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Fall Harvest Pasta Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave It Recipe

Fall Harvest Pasta Salad: 7 Reasons You'll Crave It Recipe

4.8 from 27 reviews

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad combines roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this seasonal salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures perfect for autumn meals or as a make-ahead dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 12 oz pasta

Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 cup butternut squash, diced
  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Mix-Ins

  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
  3. Prepare Vegetables: In a bowl, toss the diced butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper ensuring they are evenly coated.
  4. Roast Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
  5. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  6. Add Dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad and toss again to evenly distribute the dressing.
  7. Serve: The salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.

Notes

  • This salad can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Adjust balsamic vinegar quantity to taste for more or less tanginess.
  • Optional: Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall pasta salad, roasted vegetables salad, butternut squash salad, Brussels sprouts salad, autumn recipes, vegetarian pasta salad, cranberry pecan salad, feta cheese salad