Fall Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a delightful and vibrant side dish that captures the essence of fall, then this Fall Pasta Salad is just what you need! It’s one of my all-time favorites because it combines seasonal ingredients like crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and fresh broccoli. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also looks stunning on the table. This salad is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Trust me, once you share this dish, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and cook time, you can have this delightful dish ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this salad in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fall Pasta Salad uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Let’s gather everything we need to create this colorful dish!

For the Salad

• 8 ounces rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 small red onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (grated)
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets

For the Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with different ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add some protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.
• Change up the veggies: Swap out broccoli for spinach or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
• Experiment with nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or sunflower seeds instead for crunch.
• Make it cheesy: Sprinkle some feta or goat cheese on top before serving for a creamy twist.

How to Make Fall Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and toss in the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked pasta gives your salad its lovely texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the pasta cooks, chop your veggies! Dice the red onion, grate the carrots, and chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Mixing these fresh ingredients adds great color and nutrition to your salad.

Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, maple syrup, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy-sweet flavor. It’s essential because it brings out all those lovely tastes in your salad.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your pasta has cooled slightly after draining, combine it with the veggies in a large bowl. Pour over the vinaigrette and add cranberries and pecans. Toss gently until everything is well coated. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor!

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Let your salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows those flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply give it another gentle toss and enjoy this vibrant Fall Pasta Salad!

Pro Tips for Making Fall Pasta Salad

Creating a delicious fall pasta salad can be a breeze with just a few handy tips to elevate your dish!

• Cook pasta al dente: This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and texture when mixed with the other ingredients, preventing it from becoming mushy.
• Let it cool before mixing: Allowing the pasta to cool completely will help prevent the vegetables from wilting and keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
• Use seasonal ingredients: Incorporating seasonal produce not only enhances flavor but also makes the salad more vibrant and colorful, embracing the essence of fall.
• Make it ahead of time: Preparing your salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delightful.
• Customize to your taste: Feel free to swap out vegetables or nuts based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. This dish is versatile and can be tailored to suit any palate!

How to Serve Fall Pasta Salad

Serving your fall pasta salad is just as important as preparing it! Here are some ideas that will make this dish shine at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta can add a tangy creaminess that complements the sweetness of cranberries beautifully (ensure it’s plant-based if avoiding animal-derived products).
• Toasted sunflower seeds: These provide an extra crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing both taste and texture.

Side Dishes

• Roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory elements in your pasta salad, offering a hearty side option.
• Grilled vegetable skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal veggies add a smoky flavor that complements the freshness of your pasta salad.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette can be a refreshing contrast, providing protein while keeping things healthy.
• Crispy kale chips: These crunchy treats offer a satisfying texture and are easy to make—plus, they add an extra dose of greens to your meal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your guests with this delightful fall pasta salad! Enjoy every bite as you embrace the flavors of autumn.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Fall Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it stores well, making it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• If you notice the pasta absorbing the dressing, consider adding a splash of olive oil before serving to refresh the flavors.

Freezing

• While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed.
• Pack the salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

• This pasta salad is designed to be served cold. However, if you’d like to enjoy it warm:
• Gently heat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Avoid overheating as you want to maintain the integrity of the vegetables.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Fall Pasta Salad!

Can I customize the Fall Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite seasonal vegetables or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.

How can I make this Fall Pasta Salad vegan?

This recipe is already plant-based and does not include any animal-derived ingredients. Enjoy a delicious vegan side dish!

Is Fall Pasta Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Fall Pasta Salad makes a fantastic dish for meal prepping. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in your fridge for convenient meals during the week.

How long can I keep leftover Fall Pasta Salad?

You can store leftover Fall Pasta Salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Fall Pasta Salad! Its vibrant colors and crunch from seasonal ingredients really make it stand out at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick side dish, this recipe will surely impress. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences or variations with me – happy cooking!