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Irresistible Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Fall

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A cozy and flavorful pasta salad featuring roasted butternut squash, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and a tangy maple Dijon dressing—perfect for fall gatherings or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties)
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) cubed butternut squash
  • 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) pecans, toasted
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 cups of cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown.
  3. Toast 1/2 cup of pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat once fragrant and lightly browned.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted squash, toasted pecans, 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 2 cups baby spinach, and 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Pour the maple Dijon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure every ingredient is coated evenly.
  7. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra cranberries or pecans if desired. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

[‘Cut butternut squash uniformly for even roasting.’, ‘Toast nuts for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Adjust dressing to taste by adding more vinegar or maple syrup.’, ‘Best served within the first day for the crunchiest texture.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Autumn, Fall, Pasta Salad, Butternut Squash, Maple Dressing, Vegetarian, Meal Prep, Thanksgiving, Potluck

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/irresistible-autumn-harvest-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-fall/