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Fall Harvest Pasta Salad Recipe

4.7 from 105 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Fall Harvest Pasta Salad featuring roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a seasonal side dish or light main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

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

Salad Add-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 Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
  3. Prepare Vegetables: In a mixing bowl, toss the diced butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Roast Vegetables: Spread the coated vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Add Dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is well mixed and evenly coated.
  7. Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature as a hearty side dish or light meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
  • Pecans can be toasted beforehand for added crunch and depth.
  • Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or a vegan alternative if preferred.
  • Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing to prevent wilting the cheese and cranberries.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Fall Harvest Pasta Salad, roasted vegetables pasta salad, autumn salad recipe, butternut squash salad, Brussels sprouts salad, pasta salad with cranberries and pecans, vegetarian pasta salad