Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that captures the essence of fall, my Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is just what you need! This dish is not only vibrant and colorful, but it also showcases some of the best seasonal produce. It’s packed with delicious flavors and textures, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its hearty ingredients and satisfying crunch, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite at your table.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You can whip it up in advance for lunch prep or serve it as a stunning side dish at dinner. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy techniques—just simple cooking!
• Packed with nutrients: Bursting with veggies like butternut squash and kale, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Perfect for meal prep: You can make this salad ahead of time, and it stays fresh without getting soggy.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love the fun textures and flavors, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the wholesome ingredients that make this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad so special. Each one adds its own unique flavor and texture!

For the Pasta Salad

• 12 oz dry ditalini rigati pasta (450g or 6 cups cooked)
• 2 cups diced butternut squash (fresh or frozen 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

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Swap the protein: If turkey sausage isn’t your thing, try using chicken sausage or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the veggies: Add in roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or even some crunchy apples for a twist!
• Experiment with nuts: Instead of pumpkin seeds, try adding walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier dressing, consider mixing in some Greek yogurt or avocado.

How to Make Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Step 1: Roast the Veggies

Preheat your oven to 400F and prepare a large sheet pan. While that’s heating up, toss those lovely diced butternut squash and sliced brussels sprouts onto the pan. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting these veggies caramelizes their natural sugars, bringing out their rich flavors. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your veggies roast away, cook your ditalini rigati pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it well and let it chill in the fridge or freezer until cool. This step is crucial because cooled pasta helps prevent sogginess in your salad.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Next up, let’s cook that turkey sausage! Using a sharp knife, slice open the casing and remove the meat into a skillet over medium heat. Cook until it’s no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set aside to cool; we want everything at room temperature before mixing!

Step 4: Massage the Kale

In a large salad bowl, add your chopped kale along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Gently massage those leaves! This might sound funny, but massaging kale softens its texture while enhancing its flavor—it’s an important step that makes all the difference.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add that cooled pasta to your kale base along with roasted veggies, turkey sausage crumbles, diced red onion, shredded parmesan cheese, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Each ingredient contributes its own unique flavor profile—trust me; you’ll love every bite!

Step 6: Whisk Together Dressing

For our zesty dressing, combine olive oil, maple syrup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a large mason jar. Shake well until fully combined. The sweetness from maple syrup balances beautifully with tangy vinegar—it’s simply delicious!

Step 7: Dress & Toss

Finally, drizzle that lovely dressing over your salad mix. Toss gently until everything is well coated—this ensures each forkful bursts with flavor!

And there you have it—a delightful Fall Harvest Pasta Salad that’s not only scrumptious but also perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Creating a delightful Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is all about the little details that make the big difference! Here are some pro tips to ensure your salad is a showstopper:

• Use seasonal veggies: Incorporating fresh, seasonal produce not only enhances the flavor but also adds vibrant colors to your dish, making it visually appealing and nutritious.
• Cool ingredients before mixing: Allowing your roasted veggies and cooked pasta to cool prevents wilting of the kale and ensures a refreshing crunch, vital for a perfect salad texture.
• Customize your protein: If turkey sausage isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for chicken or a plant-based alternative like chickpeas. This keeps the recipe flexible and caters to different dietary preferences.
• Make it ahead of time: This salad tastes even better after marinating for a few hours. Prepare it in advance for an effortless meal prep option that’s ready when you are!
• Store dressing separately: Keeping the dressing separate until serving prevents sogginess. This way, each bite remains fresh and flavorful!

How to Serve Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Serving your Fall Harvest Pasta Salad can turn an already delicious dish into an eye-catching centerpiece on any table. Here are some ideas to present this delightful salad beautifully:

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite.
• Feta or goat cheese crumbles: For those who enjoy creamy textures, these cheeses offer a tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the salad.
• Extra pumpkin seeds: A few extra seeds on top not only enhance the crunch factor but also add visual interest.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Simple yet satisfying, a mix of seasonal roasted vegetables complements the flavors of the pasta salad while adding more nutrients.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Crisp, buttery breadsticks provide a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the hearty nature of this pasta dish, making it great for lunch or dinner.
• Crisp Green Salad: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of your pasta salad and helps cleanse the palate.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley can serve as a sweet counterpoint to your savory dish, providing natural sweetness and additional vitamins.

Now you’re all set to impress with this vibrant Fall Harvest Pasta Salad! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious, nutritious lunches throughout the week. You can prepare it in advance and store it properly to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• If you anticipate leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the salad’s crunch.

Freezing

• While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual servings if needed.
• Place the salad in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Be sure to leave some space for expansion as the ingredients may change texture when thawed.

Reheating

• To reheat, allow the frozen portions to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Gently warm in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe.

Can I make Fall Harvest Pasta Salad without turkey sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and delicious.

How long does Fall Harvest Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Fall Harvest Pasta Salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain its texture.

What vegetables can I add to my Fall Harvest Pasta Salad?

Feel free to get creative! You can add seasonal veggies like roasted sweet potatoes, spinach, or even chickpeas for extra protein and flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Yes! While ditalini rigati works wonderfully, you can use other pasta shapes such as farfalle or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad as much as I do! It’s not only a celebration of seasonal flavors but also a great way to ensure you have delicious meals ready during your busy week. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant dish filled with wholesome ingredients! Happy cooking!