Fall Pasta Salad

🍁 Fall Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale & Cranberries

Meet your new fall favorite — a fall pasta salad filled with the best flavors of the season. Pasta salads get a lot of love in summer, but who says they’re only for warm weather? I love a good pasta salad any time of year; they’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

This fall harvest pasta salad takes the classic you know and gives it an autumnal twist with roasted butternut squash, hearty kale, tart cranberries, and a maple Dijon dressing that ties everything together. It’s colorful, cozy, and the kind of salad that feels just right whether you’re serving it at a potluck, alongside your holiday favorites, or packing up leftovers for lunch the next day.

Filled with the flavors of fall, this pasta salad will quickly become a staple in your seasonal rotation.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Fall Pasta Salad

This vibrant salad gives the classic pasta salad a cozy autumn twist. Roasted butternut squash, hearty kale, tart cranberries, and a maple Dijon dressing combine to capture everything we love about fall.

• Filled with seasonal favorites
• Gluten-free and vegetarian (with vegan option)
• Ready in under an hour
• Great for meal prep
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weekday lunches

🧡 What Makes This Recipe Special

• 🥕 Roasted butternut squash adds sweetness and caramelized flavor.
• 🥬 Kale ribbons bring texture and heartiness.
• 🍒 Dried cranberries balance it with tartness and color.
• 🍁 Maple Dijon dressing ties everything together with bright, tangy sweetness.

🥣 Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need for the best flavor and texture:

• Butternut squash – Peeled and cubed, then roasted for natural sweetness.
• Olive oil & fresh thyme – For rich flavor during roasting.
• Gluten-free pasta – Shells, rotini, or penne work best for holding the dressing.
• Lacinato (Tuscan) kale – Finely sliced; massaged for tenderness.
• Dried cranberries (or cherries) – Adds a pop of tart fruitiness.
• Feta cheese or vegan feta – Creamy and salty contrast.
• Pumpkin seeds (or toasted pecans) – Crunchy, seasonal texture.
• Maple Dijon dressing – Apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.

🔪 How to Make Fall Pasta Salad (Step-by-Step)

1. Finish and serve: Top with feta and pumpkin seeds. Serve at room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Roast the squash: Toss butternut cubes with olive oil, salt, and thyme. Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and golden. Cool slightly.
4. Cook the pasta: Boil according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and spread on a towel-lined sheet to dry.
5. Make the dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced shallot, salt, and pepper.
6. Massage the kale: In a large bowl, drizzle a spoonful of dressing over sliced kale and massage with your hands until softened.
7. Assemble the salad: Add roasted squash, cooled pasta, cranberries, and remaining dressing. Toss gently.

🌿 Variations & Substitutions

• 🥔 Use roasted sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash.
• 🥗 Try spinach or arugula instead of kale.
• 🍒 Swap cranberries for dried cherries.
• 🧀 Use vegan feta to keep it dairy-free.
• 🌾 Any ridged pasta (like fusilli or penne) will work beautifully.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Makes a festive side for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.
• Great for weekday lunches.
• Pair with a crisp white wine, sparkling water, or apple cider.

🌰 Notes & Tips

• Make-ahead friendly — make dressing and roasted butternut squash ahead of time and combine before serving.
• Store salad in the fridge 3–4 days in a sealed container.
• Add protein like chickpeas or other legumes.

💬 Final Thoughts

More than just a side, this fall pasta salad captures the essence of the season.  Golden roasted squash, earthy kale, bright cranberries, and a tangy maple Dijon dressing mingle together in every bite. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a fall staple, from casual lunches to festive gatherings.