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Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

A hearty pasta salad bursting with vibrant fall flavors, featuring roasted vegetables and fresh greens, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 oz pasta (such as rotini or fusilli)
  • 2 cups butternut squash, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped Choose what you like!
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
Dressings and Seasonings
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pumpkin seeds or walnuts for topping Adds a lovely crunch!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is essential for getting the veggies beautifully roasted.
  2. Toss the diced butternut squash, red bell pepper, and red onion with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkling in some salt and pepper.
  3. Spread the vegetables out on a baking sheet and roast them for 20-25 minutes, or until they tenderize and start to caramelize.
  4. While the veggies are roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions. If you can, rinse it under cold water once drained to help stop the cooking process.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the roasted vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and your choice of spinach or kale.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and give everything a good toss.
Serving
  1. You can either serve the salad immediately while still warm or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  2. Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or walnuts on top just before serving for added crunch.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.