fall pasta salad recipes

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets cooler, it's time to shift your pasta salads from the light and refreshing summer versions to hearty and flavorful fall pasta salads. This season brings numerous opportunities to incorporate seasonal ingredients such as pumpkin, squash, and apples into your pasta salads. These autumn-inspired pasta salads are perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any other gathering. In this blog post, we will share some easy-to-make fall pasta salad recipes that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Why Fall Pasta Salads?

Fall pasta salads are a great way to celebrate the season and are often filled with seasonal ingredients. These salads can be made in advance, are perfect for meal-prepping, and make a great side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Pasta salads are also great for entertaining, as they can be served at room temperature and are easy to make in large quantities.

Ingredients for Fall Pasta Salads

When making fall pasta salads, it's important to use seasonal ingredients to capture the flavors of the season. Some of the key ingredients that can be incorporated into fall pasta salads include:IngredientBenefitsPumpkinRich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A and CButternut SquashGreat source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassiumApplesGood source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidantsCranberriesHigh in antioxidants and vitamin CPecansGood source of protein and healthy fatsBrussels SproutsHigh in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K

These ingredients can be paired with your favorite type of pasta and a variety of dressings to create a delicious and nutritious fall pasta salad.

Easy Fall Pasta Salad Recipes

1. Pumpkin and Kale Pasta Salad

This hearty pasta salad is perfect for autumn with its warm flavors and seasonal ingredients. The combination of pumpkin, kale, and pecans creates a dish that is both nutritious and satisfying.

Source: bing.com

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz. penne pasta

2. 1 small pumpkin, peeled and diced

3. 2 cups kale, chopped

4. 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

5. 1/4 cup olive oil

6. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

7. 2 tbsp honey

8. 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

9. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss pumpkin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. Add cooked pasta, roasted pumpkin, chopped kale, and pecans to the dressing and toss to combine.

5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes: This pasta salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Apple and Brussels Sprouts Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. The apples add a touch of sweetness while the Brussels sprouts add a hearty texture to the salad.

Source: bing.com

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz. pasta

2. 2 cups Brussels sprouts, shaved

3. 1 apple, diced

4. 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

5. 1/4 cup olive oil

6. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

7. 2 tbsp honey

8. 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

9. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

3. Add cooked pasta, shaved Brussels sprouts, diced apple, and chopped walnuts to the dressing and toss to combine.

4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes: This pasta salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a perfect showcase for the fall flavors. Roasted butternut squash, pecans, and cranberries are tossed with pasta and a simple maple vinaigrette.

Source: bing.com

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz. pasta

2. 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced

3. 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

4. 1/2 cup dried cranberries

5. 1/4 cup olive oil

6. 2 tbsp maple syrup

7. 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

8. 1 tsp Dijon mustard

9. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. Add cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, pecans, and dried cranberries to the dressing and toss to combine.

5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes: This pasta salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Fall pasta salads are a great way to incorporate seasonal ingredients into your meals. These salads are perfect for meal-prepping, potlucks, or any other gathering. The above recipes are just a few examples of the many delicious fall pasta salads that you can make. Be creative and experiment with different ingredients to create your perfect fall pasta salad.

Related video of Fall Pasta Salad Recipes: Delicious and Nutritious Options for the Season