Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a comforting and wholesome dish that captures the essence of fall, my Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is just what you need! This recipe is not only beautiful with its vibrant autumn colors but also packed with flavors and nutrients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. I love how this salad stays fresh and crisp, making it a delightful lunch option that won’t get soggy in the fridge.

Every bite of this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is a celebration of seasonal produce—think crispy roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet butternut squash. It’s a dish that warms your heart while providing all the deliciousness you crave during those cooler months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This pasta salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious blend of flavors and textures, even the pickiest eaters will enjoy it!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Whip it up on the weekend, and you’ll have tasty lunches ready to go all week long.
• Packed with Nutrition: Full of veggies and lean protein, this dish is both filling and healthy.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it based on what you have in your pantry or what’s in season!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad features simple, wholesome ingredients that reflect the bounty of the season. Each component adds texture and flavor to create a deliciously satisfying meal.

For the Salad

• 12 oz dry ditalini rigati pasta (450g or 6 cups cooked)
• 2 cups diced butternut squash (fresh or frozen will both work)
• 2 cups thinly sliced Brussels sprouts
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 lb mild turkey sausage (casing removed)
• 3 heaping cups curly kale (leaves finely chopped)
• 1 cup red onion (diced)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds

For the Dressing

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 3 tbsp old-fashioned dijon mustard
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the Protein: Use chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in other seasonal vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Change Up the Cheese: Try feta or goat cheese instead of parmesan for a tangy twist.
• Make It Vegan: Omit the cheese and use chickpeas instead of turkey sausage to keep it plant-based!

How to Make Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Step 1: Roast Your Veggies

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large sheet pan. While it’s heating up, chop your butternut squash and Brussels sprouts. Drizzling them with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper brings out their natural flavors as they roast. Bake them until they’re crispy and golden—this step gives our salad that delightful roasted flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook your ditalini rigati pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain it well and let it cool completely in the fridge or freezer. Cooling down prevents sogginess when we combine all our ingredients later.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Sausage

While your veggies roast and pasta cools, take a moment to prepare your turkey sausage. Remove it from its casing using a knife, then cook until no longer pink. This adds hearty protein to our salad while also infusing wonderful flavor throughout.

Step 4: Massage the Kale

In a large salad bowl, add your chopped kale along with a drizzle of olive oil. Gently massaging the leaves softens them, making them more palatable—this little step elevates our salad’s texture!

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Once everything has cooled down, mix together your cooled pasta, roasted veggies, turkey sausage crumbles, red onion, parmesan cheese, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds right into the kale bowl. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating layers of flavor.

Step 6: Whisk Together Your Dressing

In a mason jar or bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good shake or whisk until everything is well combined. This dressing ties all our flavors together beautifully!

Step 7: Toss It All Together

Finally, drizzle that delicious dressing over your salad mixture and toss everything gently to coat evenly. Your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately or store in an airtight container for meal prep—just make sure to toss it again before serving if you let it sit for a bit.

Enjoy every flavorful bite—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Creating the perfect Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to help you shine in the kitchen!

• Choose seasonal produce: Using seasonal veggies not only enhances flavor but also ensures freshness. Look for butternut squash and brussels sprouts at your local farmers’ market for the best quality.
• Cook pasta al dente: Cooking the pasta just until it’s firm to the bite prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients. This will keep your salad looking vibrant and delicious!
• Massage the kale: Gently massaging the chopped kale with olive oil softens its texture, making it more palatable and flavorful. It helps to break down tough fibers, resulting in a tender base for your salad.
• Let it chill: Allowing your salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after mixing gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully. The result is a more cohesive dish that’s bursting with taste!
• Make extra dressing: Having additional dressing on hand allows everyone to customize their salad according to their preferences. Plus, it keeps leftovers fresh and flavorful for days!

How to Serve Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

This colorful Fall Harvest Pasta Salad not only tastes fantastic but also looks beautiful on any table. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Extra cheese: A few more shavings of parmesan on top can enhance the creaminess and richness of the dish.
• Crispy shallots: Adding crispy fried shallots creates an appealing crunch that contrasts nicely with the softer textures in the salad.

Side Dishes

• Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors in your pasta salad, making them a delightful addition.
• Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your plate.
• Mixed greens salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Quinoa pilaf: This nutty side dish adds an extra boost of protein while providing a lovely texture that pairs well with your pasta salad.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re ready to create an unforgettable meal centered around this delicious Fall Harvest Pasta Salad! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for busy weekdays. You can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week without worrying about sogginess!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It can last for up to 4 days while maintaining its flavor and texture.
• For best results, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• This salad can be frozen, but it’s recommended to freeze only the pasta and vegetables before adding the dressing.
• Place the cooled pasta and veggies in a freezer-safe container.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before mixing in fresh ingredients and dressing.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply warm up in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• If you prefer, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge as a refreshing option!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

How can I make Fall Harvest Pasta Salad vegetarian?

You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the turkey sausage and adding more vegetables or plant-based protein like chickpeas for extra heartiness.

Can I use other types of pasta for Fall Harvest Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ditalini rigati with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or penne, to create your own twist on this seasonal favorite.

How do I add more flavor to my Fall Harvest Pasta Salad?

Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for an added depth of flavor. The dressing can also be adjusted to suit your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad as much as I do! It’s not only packed with delicious seasonal produce but also offers great flexibility for meal prep. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, it’s sure to brighten your day. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!