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Fall Harvest Pasta Salad Recipe

4.5 from 64 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz 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

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, 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 bowl, toss the diced butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure each piece is well coated.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, fresh cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Add dressing and toss: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
  7. 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