why make this recipe
Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that captures the essence of the autumn season. It combines fresh ingredients, seasonal flavors, and is both healthy and delicious. This salad is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Not only is it colorful and appealing, but it also provides a nice balance of nutrients.
how to make Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (e.g., rotini or farfalle)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, roasted butternut squash, spinach, cranberries, feta cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
how to serve Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
You can serve Fall Harvest Pasta Salad as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken, turkey, or pork. It makes an excellent lunch option as well. This salad tastes amazing cold, so make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together.
how to store Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
To store any leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you need to store it for a longer time, consider keeping the dressing separate until you are ready to serve.
tips to make Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
- Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent wilting the spinach.
- You can roast the butternut squash ahead of time to save time when preparing the salad.
- Adjust the amount of feta cheese and walnuts according to your taste preferences.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other seasonal vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, kale, or even apples for an extra crunch. Swap walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Rotini and farfalle work well, but you can also try penne or bowtie pasta.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s great to make in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and it will taste even better after the flavors meld.
Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful autumn pasta salad featuring roasted butternut squash, fresh spinach, cranberries, and feta cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (e.g., rotini or farfalle)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, roasted butternut squash, spinach, cranberries, feta cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Let the pasta cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting the spinach. Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pasta salad, fall salad, healthy salad, vegetarian recipe, seasonal dish