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–+ servings
Fall Pasta Salad

Fall Pasta Salad Bursting with Flavor and Colorful Goodness

This Fall Pasta Salad combines sweet butternut squash, tart cranberries, and nuts for a colorful, gluten-free dish perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Penne or Rotini Gluten-free pasta works beautifully if needed.
For the Roasted Vegetables
  • 1 medium Butternut Squash Peeled, seeded, and cubed before roasting.
For the Sweet & Tart
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Chopped Nuts (Pecans/Walnuts) Toast them for added richness.
For Freshness
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped.
For Creaminess (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup Goat Cheese or Feta Crumble into the salad before serving.
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Base of the vinaigrette.
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Sweetens the dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Adds acidity.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Helps emulsify the dressing.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add penne or rotini and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
  3. Make the Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and chopped nuts. Fold in fresh parsley.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently. If desired, add crumbled cheese just before serving.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are cool before mixing and toast nuts for enhanced flavor. Make ahead for optimal taste.

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