Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this vibrant Fall Harvest Pasta Salad. Packed with seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, hearty kale, and crunchy apples, this salad is a perfect side dish or a light main course. Drizzled with a maple-balsamic dressing, it balances rich and tangy notes to delight your taste buds while showcasing the best of the harvest season. Easy to make and full of color, it's an ideal addition to any Thanksgiving feast or cozy fall gathering.
Fall is a time for harvest and gathering, and this pasta salad beautifully captures the essence of the season. Each bite provides a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a wonderful choice for any autumn gathering.
Autumn Flavors on Your Plate
The Fall Harvest Pasta Salad epitomizes the essence of autumn with its beautiful blend of seasonal ingredients. The vibrant hues of roasted butternut squash and crisp apples not only make this dish visually appealing but also enhance your culinary experience. Each bite bursts with flavors reminiscent of apple picking and cozy evenings by the fire, delivering comfort and joy in every forkful.
Butternut squash, renowned for its sweet and nutty taste, becomes the star ingredient of this salad. When roasted, it caramelizes to perfection, adding depth to the mix. Partnered with the earthy and nutrient-rich kale, this salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, making it more than just a side dish—it's a celebration of autumn itself.
Perfect for Any Gathering
Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving feast or a casual fall gathering, this salad is an exceptional choice. Its versatility allows it to shine as either a light main course or a colorful side. You’ll find that this dish appeals to a wide range of preferences, making it a safe bet for any guest, whether they favor vegetarian fare or hearty meals.
Moreover, this pasta salad is easy to prepare, freeing up your time to connect with your friends and family rather than stressing in the kitchen. With simple ingredients coming together in harmony, it can be made in advance and served cold or at room temperature, making it an efficient option for busy hosts.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
This salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body. Butternut squash is a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, crucial for boosting your immune system, especially during the cooler months. Kale, packed with antioxidants, helps in maintaining overall health, while apples provide dietary fiber and natural sweetness, making this dish as wholesome as it is delightful.
Additionally, incorporating walnuts and feta cheese enriches the salad with healthy fats and protein, ensuring that you feel satisfied without overindulging. With the balance of greens, fruits, and whole grains, this pasta salad fits seamlessly into a healthy diet, making it a guilt-free option you can enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta of choice
- 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.
Instructions
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, kale, diced apple, toasted walnuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
Cooking Tips for Success
To elevate your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad, consider experimenting with different types of pasta. Whole grain or gluten-free options can add uniqueness to the texture and flavor. Also, try to cook the pasta al dente for the perfect bite, as it will hold up better against the moisture from the dressing.
When roasting the butternut squash, be sure to toss it halfway through cooking for even browning. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg along with the salt and pepper to bring out the squash’s natural sweetness and enhance the autumnal feel of the dish.
Storage and Preparation Tips
Leftover Fall Harvest Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the freshness of the ingredients, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving. This way, the greens stay vibrant and crunchy, providing a pleasant texture to your meal.
If you're prepping this dish in advance, chop the kale and apples but wait to add the walnuts and feta until you're ready to serve. This will keep everything fresh and flavorful, ensuring that your guests or family enjoy the best version of this delicious salad.
Pairing Suggestions
This colorful salad pairs beautifully with various dishes. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or turkey. The savory flavors of the meat complement the sweetness of the salad, creating a harmonious dining experience, especially during fall gatherings.
For a lighter pairing, consider a simple grilled fish or plant-based protein, like quinoa or lentils. The salad’s vibrant ingredients will contrast nicely with the mild flavors of these proteins, making your plate both festive and nutritious. Don't forget a glass of crisp apple cider or a light white wine to enhance your meal!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them separately. Combine just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for the walnuts?
You can use pecans or sunflower seeds as a nut-free alternative.
Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this vibrant Fall Harvest Pasta Salad. Packed with seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, hearty kale, and crunchy apples, this salad is a perfect side dish or a light main course. Drizzled with a maple-balsamic dressing, it balances rich and tangy notes to delight your taste buds while showcasing the best of the harvest season. Easy to make and full of color, it's an ideal addition to any Thanksgiving feast or cozy fall gathering.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta of choice
- 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, kale, diced apple, toasted walnuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g