Print

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