11+ Fall Pasta Salad Recipes

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to embrace the comforting flavors of fall. These pasta salad recipes offer a delightful twist, blending autumn’s bounty into dishes that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta Salad

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad from The Wheatless Kitchen

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad from Budget Bytes

Rating: 4.4. Total Time: 40 min.

Harvest Pasta Salad

Harvest Pasta Salad from The Kitchn

Rating: 5. Total Time: 55 min.

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This delightful pasta salad brings together the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash with the earthy aroma of fresh sage. Tossed with al dente pasta, this dish is a symphony of fall flavors.

What makes this recipe stand out is the way the roasted squash caramelizes to perfection, adding a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the slightly bitter sage. The addition of toasted pine nuts gives it a crunchy texture, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick. A light drizzle of olive oil binds everything together without overshadowing the natural flavors.

This salad is perfect for those cozy nights in or as a side dish for your holiday gatherings. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of fall on your plate!

Harvest Apple and Cranberry Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad with Tuna, Apple, and Dried Cranberries

Pasta Salad with Tuna, Apple, and Dried Cranberries from Pastabilities

Rating: 5. Total Time: 22 min.

Autumn Crunch Pasta Salad

Autumn Crunch Pasta Salad from Chelsea's Messy Apron

Rating: 5. Total Time: 30 min.

Easy Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Easy Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette from Blackberry Babe

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 25 min.

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Imagine biting into a salad that bursts with the sweet-tart juiciness of apples and cranberries. This pasta salad combines the crispness of fresh apples with the chewy texture of dried cranberries, creating a mouthwatering experience.

The secret to this salad’s popularity lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Crunchy pecans add a nutty depth, while the creamy dressing, made with a hint of apple cider vinegar, ties everything together. The pasta serves as a perfect canvas, absorbing all these flavors beautifully.

It’s a dish that captures the essence of a fall harvest, making it a go-to for any autumn occasion. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it at a family dinner, it’s sure to be a hit!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pasta Salad

Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Pasta from Creative Culinary

Rating: 4.4. Total Time: 30 min.

Bacon and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette

Bacon and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette from Giadzy

Total Time: 35 min.

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta from Recipe Runner

Rating: 4.4. Total Time: 30 min.

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This pasta salad is a hearty, savory delight that combines the robust flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts with the smoky goodness of bacon. It’s a surefire way to make Brussels sprouts the star of the show.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect harmony between the crispy bacon and the tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts. A touch of tangy Dijon mustard in the dressing adds a zesty note, balancing out the richness of the bacon. Tossed with rotini pasta, this dish is not only filling but also incredibly satisfying.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

Warm Goat's Cheese, Red Onion and Walnut Pasta Salad

Warm Goat's Cheese, Red Onion and Walnut Pasta Salad from Easy Peasy Foodie

Rating: 5. Total Time: 30 min.

Pasta with Radicchio and Goat Cheese

Pasta with Radicchio and Goat Cheese from Fine Foods Blog

Rating: 5. Total Time: 1 h 10 min.

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For those who love a hint of sweetness in their savory dishes, this pasta salad offers a delightful combination of caramelized onions and creamy goat cheese. The onions, cooked until they’re golden and jam-like, bring a natural sweetness that complements the tangy goat cheese.

This salad is special because of its sophisticated flavor profile. The creaminess of the goat cheese melts into the warm pasta, creating a luscious coating that’s hard to resist. A sprinkle of walnuts adds a bit of crunch, making every bite a textural delight.

It’s an elegant dish that feels gourmet without the fuss, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Fall Pasta Salads

Fall Pasta Salad

Fall Pasta Salad from A Paige of Positivity

Rating: 5. Total Time: 30 min.

Vegan Fall Pasta Salad

Vegan Fall Pasta Salad from Rabbit and Wolves

Rating: 5. Total Time: 35 min.

Fall Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash and Brussels

Fall Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash and Brussels from Mallory the Dietitian

Total Time: 45 min.

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Choose Seasonal Ingredients

Embrace the bounty of fall by selecting fresh, seasonal ingredients. Not only do they taste better, but they also add a vibrant touch to your salads.

Balance Your Flavors

When crafting your pasta salad, aim for a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. This ensures every bite is a delightful surprise for your taste buds.

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta

To keep your pasta salad from becoming mushy, cook the pasta just until al dente. This helps it hold up well when mixed with the other ingredients.