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Fall Harvest Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 768 reviews

A vibrant and wholesome Fall Harvest Pasta Salad featuring roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, complemented by tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is perfect served chilled or at room temperature for a seasonal, flavorful meal or side.

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 oz pasta
  • 1 cup butternut squash, diced
  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved

Salad Mix-Ins

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

Dressing and Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the diced butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
  3. Roast the Vegetables: Spread the coated vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring once halfway through.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Add Dressing and Toss: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad mixture, then gently toss until all ingredients are well combined and coated with dressing.
  6. Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for a delicious, seasonal dish.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten free.
  • Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
  • For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
  • The salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to let flavors meld.
  • Adding a splash of maple syrup to the dressing can enhance the fall flavors.