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Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

A bowl of fall pasta salad featuring pasta, butternut squash cubes, dried cranberries, walnuts, and parsley.
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A hearty and flavorful cold pasta salad perfect for potlucks, featuring seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, cranberries, and apples with a sweet maple dressing. This recipe travels well and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound gluten-free rotini pasta
  • 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • For the Maple Vinaigrette:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Let cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and fresh parsley. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all the ingredients for the maple vinaigrette: olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This salad can be made up to a day in advance.

Notes

  • For a nut-free option, omit the walnuts.
  • If you don’t have gluten-free pasta, regular rotini or fusilli will also work.
  • Add chopped apples for extra crunch and sweetness.
  • This salad is best served chilled.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/fall-pasta-salad-recipe/