Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Name: Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (rotini or fusilli); 2 cups mixed seasonal vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots); 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your autumn gatherings with this vibrant Fall Harvest Pasta Salad, featuring roasted vegetables, crunchy nuts, and a delightful maple vinaigrette. Packed with seasonal flavors and colors, this salad is not only visually stunning but also a nourishing addition to any table. Perfect for potlucks, holiday feasts, or a cozy dinner at home, you'll find yourself craving this comforting yet refreshing dish all season long.

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2025-12-02T11:31:03.833Z

Fall is a season of warmth and comfort, and this pasta salad captures those elements beautifully. Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, while the maple vinaigrette adds a touch of elegance. It's a dish that brings friends and family together, celebrating the harvest in every bite.

The Perfect Autumn Dish

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad captures the essence of the season. The combination of roasted vegetables and fresh ingredients brings warmth and nutrition to your autumn gatherings. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or festive holiday celebrations, this salad can become the centerpiece of your table. Embrace the flavors of fall with each bite, making it a standout dish that everyone will rave about.

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what’s in season or available in your pantry. Feel free to substitute vegetables or nuts to match your family’s preferences—adding roasted Brussels sprouts or sunflower seeds can create an entirely new spin. This adaptability ensures that you can keep making this recipe throughout the fall, ensuring a fresh experience each time.

Nutritional Benefits

Packed with fiber and essential nutrients, this pasta salad offers a hearty base combined with energizing vegetables. Whole grain pasta boosts the fiber content, promoting healthy digestion and prolonging feelings of fullness. Meanwhile, the colorful mix of seasonal vegetables provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your overall well-being. Pairing these ingredients with nuts adds healthy fats and protein, making this salad a wholesome choice for any meal.

Moreover, the combination of dried cranberries introduces a touch of natural sweetness while adding beneficial vitamins and iron. Feta cheese not only contributes a delicious tang but also provides calcium and protein. Each element of this dish works harmoniously to create a balanced and nutritious meal that celebrates the bounty of the autumn harvest.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

For the Salad

8 oz pasta (rotini or fusilli)
2 cups mixed seasonal vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots)
1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

For the Maple Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and match seasonal ingredients to make this salad your own!

Instructions

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, cooked pasta, nuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the maple vinaigrette and toss to combine.

Serve

Enjoy the salad warm or chilled! It's perfect for any occasion.

This dish can be enjoyed fresh or can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.

Enhance Your Experience

To elevate your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad, consider incorporating a variety of textures and flavors. Experimenting with different nuts or seeds can add crunch and complexity to the dish. For an extra zing, try adding a splash of citrus juice or some orange zest to the vinaigrette, which complements the sweetness of the maple syrup and dried cranberries beautifully.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can also brighten the dish, not just visually but flavor-wise as well. These simple upgrades will make your salad a delight for the senses, impressing guests during any gathering this season.

Pairing Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins, making it a flexible addition to your meal planning. For a hearty option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or baked salmon. The salad’s flavors will complement the richness of the meats, creating a balanced plate. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with stuffed bell peppers or a warming winter soup to round out the meal.

Don't forget about beverages! A crisp apple cider or light white wine pairs perfectly with the warmth of the salad. The acidity and brightness of these drinks will enhance the flavors of the roasted vegetables and maple vinaigrette, making for a delightful dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is great when made ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve.

→ What other nuts can I use?

You can substitute the nuts with your favorites like almonds or sunflower seeds.