Fall Harvest Pasta Salad Recipe
This vibrant Fall Harvest Pasta Salad combines tender roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a perfect seasonal dish served chilled or at room temperature that captures the essence of autumn flavors in every bite.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 cup butternut squash, diced
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad Add-ins
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare vegetables: In a bowl, toss the diced butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Roast vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, fresh cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add dressing and toss: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for a seasonal side dish or light meal.
Notes
- You can substitute dried cranberries if fresh are not available, but adjust sweetness to taste.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Roast vegetables on a single layer to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- This salad can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- For added texture, consider toasting the pecans before adding.
Keywords: Fall pasta salad, roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts salad, autumn salad, pasta salad with cranberries and feta