Fall Harvest Pasta Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave It

Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad Delight with Crunchy Veggies 🍁🌾🥗

1. Introduction

When fall arrives, nothing beats a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad that captures the flavors of the season. Our autumn harvest pasta salad is packed with crisp vegetables, hearty pasta, and a tangy dressing that makes it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner. This fall pasta salad recipe celebrates the bounty of fall with seasonal produce, creating a vegetable pasta salad that is both delicious and nutritious.

2. Ingredients for Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed (see our creamy butternut squash gnocchi for inspiration)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Fall Pasta Salad

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

Prepare the Veggies and Roasted Squash

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice red onion. Roast the butternut squash cubes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until tender. For more cozy fall recipes, check out our pumpkin donuts.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Combine and Serve

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, basil, and parsley. Drizzle with the dressing and toss until everything is well coated. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

4. Storage Tips for This Vegetable Pasta Salad

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because fresh vegetables and cheese may release moisture over time, it’s best to serve the pasta salad fresh or within a day for optimal texture and taste.

5. Serving Suggestions for Autumn Pasta Salad

This fall pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or as part of a festive holiday spread. For a full fall-themed meal, consider side dishes like salted caramel apple bars or garlic parmesan sweet potato wedges.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Pasta Salad

Can I use different pasta types?

Absolutely! Fusilli, bowtie, or even gluten-free pasta options work well with this recipe.

How can I make this pasta salad vegan?

Replace the feta cheese with vegan cheese or omit it entirely. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing for a vegan-friendly option.

How long does this pasta salad take to prepare?

The entire process takes approximately 30-40 minutes, mainly due to roasting the squash and boiling the pasta.

7. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe

• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Simplify chopping vegetables for a quick and easy prep process.
• Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for quickly chilling your salad or making refreshing drinks to accompany your meal.
• Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Ideal for roasting larger amounts of veggies or preparing other fall dishes.

8. Additional Fall Recipes You Will Love

• Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Squash
• Salted Caramel Apple Bars
• Baked Pumpkin Donuts
• Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges

9. Conclusion

This autumn harvest pasta salad with crunchy veggies is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a healthy and satisfying dish. Its colorful ingredients and vibrant flavors are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether served as a main or side dish, this vegetable pasta salad is a must-try seasonal recipe that highlights the best of fall produce. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish!

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