Description
Embrace the flavors of fall with this vibrant Autumn Pasta Salad, featuring tender farfalle pasta tossed with roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and a delightful maple-Dijon dressing. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with seasonal ingredients that bring warmth and comfort to any table. Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving gatherings or a light meal on crisp autumn days, this hearty salad combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements for a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 medium apple
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- Green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for roasting
- 1/4 cup olive oil, for dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized; then cool.
- Cook farfalle pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside in a large bowl.
- Prepare the remaining ingredients: cube the apple, chop the pecans, crumble the feta, halve the olives, and slice green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Combine cooled roasted squash, apple, cranberries, pecans, feta cheese, olives, and green onions with the pasta.
- Drizzle dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg