This Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad captures the essence of fall with its warm, earthy notes and bright pops of color. The tender rotini serves as the perfect base for juicy apple cubes, velvety butternut squash, and tart dried cranberries, while toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. Creamy feta and fresh herbs bring it all together in a delightful harmony of flavor and texture.
Ideal as a make‑ahead lunch, potluck dish, or elegant side, this salad brings seasonal comfort without heavy cooking. A drizzle of tangy honey‑Dijon vinaigrette rounds out the dish, making each bite a delicious celebration of autumn’s bounty.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 oz rotini pasta
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2 cups butternut squash, cubed
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1 cup dried cranberries
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1 apple (such as Honeycrisp), diced
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1/2 cup pecans, toasted
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1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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2 green onions, sliced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/3 cup olive oil
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3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
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Meanwhile, steam or roast butternut squash until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
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In a large bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
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Add pasta, cooled squash, dried cranberries, diced apple, pecans, green onions, parsley, and feta.
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Toss gently until well coated.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6
The Essence of Autumn in One Dish
Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad is more than just a seasonal side dish—it’s a celebration of fall’s vibrant produce and comforting flavors. With its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory elements, this dish captures the very spirit of the harvest season. The combination of roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans brings not only bold flavor but also vibrant color and texture. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you think of golden leaves, cozy gatherings, and warm meals shared with loved ones.
What makes this dish stand out is how versatile and wholesome it is. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side at a family gathering, or preparing it in advance for the week ahead, it fits effortlessly into nearly any autumn menu. Its colorful palette also makes it a show-stopping option for potlucks, Friendsgiving spreads, or any seasonal event where food presentation matters as much as taste.
A Flavor Profile That’s Balanced and Beautiful
The beauty of the Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad lies in its perfect harmony of flavors. Roasted butternut squash offers a naturally sweet and creamy base, while the diced apples add a juicy crunch that refreshes the palate. Dried cranberries bring a pleasant tartness, contrasting the saltiness of the feta cheese. The toasted pecans introduce a rich nuttiness and a satisfying texture that ties all the elements together.
The vinaigrette dressing—typically a blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard—is simple yet powerful. It lightly coats each ingredient without overpowering their natural tastes. This balance ensures that no single element dominates; instead, every bite delivers a layered and cohesive experience.
Nutritional Benefits in Every Bite
One of the standout features of this salad is its nutritional density. Butternut squash is high in fiber and beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health and immunity. Apples bring additional fiber and vitamin C, while cranberries contribute antioxidants and help support urinary health. Pecans are loaded with heart-healthy fats, and feta adds a dose of calcium and protein.
The whole dish is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free pasta. It’s filling without being heavy and provides sustained energy through its mix of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and natural sugars. For those looking to eat mindfully without sacrificing taste, this salad is an ideal option.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals and Meal Prep
Another reason this recipe has become a seasonal favorite is its make-ahead friendliness. In fact, the flavor improves after sitting for a few hours or overnight, as the dressing soaks into the pasta and melds with the other ingredients. This makes it perfect for busy weekdays, meal prepping, or contributing a reliable dish to a gathering.
The pasta holds up well without becoming soggy, and the hearty textures of squash and apple remain intact even after refrigeration. Simply give it a quick toss before serving and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra crumble of feta to revive it.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile in how it can be served. On its own, it’s a satisfying lunch or light dinner. As a side, it pairs beautifully with roast chicken, baked turkey breast, or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. It also complements other fall dishes like pumpkin soup, roasted root vegetables, or cornbread.
For a festive touch, consider serving it in a large wooden bowl garnished with extra herbs or a few whole pecans. You can even add in extras like roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a jeweled, holiday-worthy finish.
Simple Customizations for Every Preference
What makes this dish so appealing to both home cooks and foodies alike is how customizable it is. Don’t have butternut squash? Sweet potatoes or even roasted carrots make great alternatives. Want a little more crunch? Add sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas. Prefer something dairy-free? Swap feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely.
The base recipe acts as a canvas. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more honey or bring in some heat with a pinch of chili flakes. For extra protein, grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or quinoa are great add-ins that enhance the dish without compromising its core identity.
A Crowd-Pleaser at Every Occasion
Whether you’re feeding a family of four or contributing to a large fall gathering, Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad is a guaranteed hit. Its visual appeal, flavor profile, and balance of nutrition make it a favorite for all age groups. Even picky eaters find something to love—whether it’s the sweetness of the apples, the saltiness of the feta, or the familiar comfort of pasta.
It travels well, doesn’t need to be reheated, and tastes just as good the next day—making it ideal for holiday parties, work lunches, and everything in between.
A Visual Feast That Satisfies
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also a visual masterpiece. The contrast of orange squash, deep red cranberries, bright green herbs, and white feta on golden pasta makes for a striking presentation. Plating it in a rustic bowl or serving tray enhances the farm-to-table vibe that’s so popular in modern gatherings.
Garnishing with a few extra sprigs of parsley or a light drizzle of vinaigrette right before serving adds that final touch of polish, making it look as good as it tastes.
Conclusion: A Seasonal Staple That Checks All the Boxes
Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of fall on a plate. It’s flavorful, filling, and flexible enough to suit a variety of preferences and occasions. Whether you’re looking for a dish to prep for weekday lunches, impress at a holiday table, or just enjoy something wholesome and seasonal, this pasta salad delivers on all fronts.
It’s one of those recipes that becomes a seasonal staple—something you look forward to making each year as the leaves start to turn. And with just a few tweaks, it can be reinvented to suit whatever mood or pantry you’re working with. From its taste to its presentation, this dish truly embodies everything we love about autumn cooking.