Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Easy Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad brings cozy autumn flavors to your table in just 40 minutes. Roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and creamy feta create the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory goodness. Each bite feels like fall with tender pasta, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a hint of thyme. It’s simple, colorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or easy weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Pasta Salad

You’ll love this salad for its bright seasonal colors and comforting textures. The mix of roasted veggies, leafy greens, and creamy cheese makes it both fresh and hearty. It’s also super versatile — serve it cold, at room temperature, or as a meal prep favorite. Because it’s vegetarian and full of flavor, everyone at the table can enjoy it. Plus, it travels well, so it’s great for potlucks or festive holiday spreads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

You’ll need 2 cups of dry pasta, preferably cavatappi, for that perfect twisty shape. Add one medium sweet potato, peeled and diced, for a naturally sweet base. Use 2 teaspoons of olive oil with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to roast it until tender. Then gather 1 cup of chopped spinach, ¼ cup each of pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and finely chopped red onion. A teaspoon of fresh thyme adds cozy flavor, while ¼ cup of crumbled feta brings creamy balance.

Dressing

You’ll need ¼ cup of poppyseed dressing — it ties everything together with a light sweetness. You can easily swap it for your favorite vinaigrette or add a drizzle of maple syrup for a seasonal twist.

How to Make Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain it well, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely before mixing so the dressing coats evenly.

Step 2 – Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them for 25 to 30 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Let them cool before adding to the salad.

Step 3 – Combine and Toss

In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, roasted sweet potatoes, spinach, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, red onion, and thyme. Pour in the poppyseed dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4 – Finish and Serve

Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and give it one last gentle toss. Serve fresh or chill for later — both ways taste amazing.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

For the best results, cool your pasta fully before adding dressing to keep the texture perfect. Use cavatappi or rotini to hold the dressing in every bite. Also, soak red onion in cold water for a few minutes to soften its flavor. Add the dressing just before serving if you’re making it ahead, and sprinkle extra pumpkin seeds for crunch. A little more feta adds a rich, creamy touch.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Switch up this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad easily. Use roasted butternut squash instead of sweet potato for a classic twist. Goat cheese makes a tangy alternative to feta. For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. To make it vegan, skip the cheese and use a maple or balsamic vinaigrette. For gluten-free, choose your favorite GF pasta. Try flavor upgrades like roasted pecans or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for depth.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this salad slightly chilled or at room temperature — both are delicious. It’s a great make-ahead dish for parties or lunch prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Before serving again, refresh with a bit more dressing to bring back the creamy texture and bright flavor.

Recipe Notes

Cavatappi is ideal because its curves hold onto dressing beautifully. You can use other pasta shapes like rotini or penne. Adjust the poppyseed dressing to taste — some like it sweeter, others more tangy. It pairs wonderfully with fall favorites like roasted turkey, ham, or Garlic Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving. Try serving it alongside Roasted Butternut Squash Salad for Thanksgiving for a full autumn spread.

Related Recipes to Try

• Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
• Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin for Thanksgiving
• Candied Yams Recipe – Sweet Thanksgiving Side
• Cranberry Roast Beef for Holiday Dinner

Conclusion

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is cozy, colorful, and full of flavor. Every bite blends roasted sweetness, creamy feta, and crisp greens for a perfect fall balance. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and fits beautifully on any Thanksgiving table. Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to autumn side dish. For more fall-inspired meals, visit my Pinterest collection of cozy recipes.

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