Fall Harvest Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 2023
Author:Lisa
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:Serves 4
Category:Salad
Method:Roasting, Mixing
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces of whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne)
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
1 large apple, cored and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup toasted pecans, chopped
1 cup baby spinach or arugula
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly caramelized.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, chopped apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, baby spinach, and crumbled feta cheese.
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
Notes
To make the salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa.