Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Move over summer salads! This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is here to steal the show. This fall pasta salad blends all the flavors of fall into one epic and easy fall entertaining recipe. With pasta, sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and more, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner.

I love a pasta salad recipe, and this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad stands head and shoulders above the rest, uniquely combining a medley of autumnal flavors and textures that you simply won’t find in any other recipe, making every bite a celebration of the season.

Channeling my inner Elle Woods, I’d like to say that, “Whoever said pasta salad was just for summer was seriously disturbed.” With roasted sweet potatoes, pine nuts, dried cranberries, broccoli, and goat cheese, this salad has quickly become a new fall favorite at my house. After whipping it up last week, I found myself snacking on it for three days in a row. I was sad when it was gone.

This pasta salad would pair perfectly with my apple cider sangria, apple and celeriac soup, of this puff pastry ham sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors: This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad brings together the heartwarming tastes of autumn. The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, the tartness of dried cranberries, and the creaminess of goat cheese, all blend seamlessly with the heartiness of pasta.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Be it a potluck, family dinner, or Thanksgiving get-together, this pasta salad is a surefire hit that will stand out on any festive table.
• Easy and Quick: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, whipping up this dish is a breeze, even for those last-minute dinner plans.
• Versatile Side Dish: While it perfectly complements roasted meats and warm soups, this salad can also shine as a main dish for a lighter meal or lunch.

Looking for more pasta salad recipes? I can help with that! I created this amazing collection of some of my best-loved pasta salad recipes. You’ll have a new recipe to make for every unique occasion. 

Ingredients

It’s time to assemble this fall pasta salad. Are you ready? Let’s gather together the ingredients first. Here’s what you will need:

• Olive Oil – Used to roast the sweet potatoes, olive oil enhances their flavor and gives them a light, crisp exterior.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the roasted sweet potatoes, bringing out their natural flavors and balancing the dish.
• Multi-Colored Pasta – A fun and vibrant base for the salad, multi-colored pasta adds a touch of whimsy and helps make the salad visually appealing.
• Broccoli – Chopped broccoli adds a bit of crunch and a fresh, earthy flavor to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Dried Cranberries – These sweet-tart cranberries bring a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor, perfect for a fall-inspired salad.
• Pine Nuts – Toasted pine nuts lend a nutty, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft sweet potatoes and creamy goat cheese.
• Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, tangy bite that complements the sweetness of the cranberries and sweet potatoes.
• Poppy Seed Dressing – This sweet and tangy dressing ties all the ingredients together, coating the salad in a light, flavorful finish. I opted for a store-bought poppy seed. You can use your favorite brand or mix up a homemade poppy seed dressing.
• Goat Cheese – Crumbling goat cheese into the salad adds a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

With you’re ingredients assembled, it’s time to put it all together.

How to Make

It’s time to assemble. (Don’t worry, it’s really easy!) Follow the simple instructions below to prepare this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the sweet potato pieces on a large baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and then toss. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. You’ll want the pasta to be al dente. Drain the pasta, allow it to cool, and place it in a large bowl.

3. To the bowl of pasta, add the roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and red onions. Toss with the poppy seed dressing until evenly coated. Crumble in the goat cheese and gently stir again until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

4. Stir before serving, adding more dressing if needed.

That’s all! So easy. So delicious Every ingredient tells a story of fall, every bite a celebration. A must-try pasta salad recipe!

Recipe Notes

• Pasta Choices: My inspiration for this fall pasta salad was this bag of colorful pasta from HomeGoods. The variety of colors made me think of autumn. I also love this type of pasta, known as Cellentani (corkscrew), because the curls and hollow centers hold lots of yummy sauce. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. Fusilli or bow ties (farfalle) are especially great for holding onto that delicious poppy seed dressing.
• Poppy Seed Dressing: For the dressing, I opted for a store-bought poppy seed. You can use your favorite brand or mix up a homemade poppy seed dressing. With its slightly creamy quality, this dressing worked extremely well and tasted delicious.

• Sweet Potatoes: For a richer flavor, you can roast the sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. This brings out a deeper autumnal aroma.
• Nut Allergies: If someone in your party has a nut allergy, you can omit the pine nuts or replace them with roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a similar crunch.
• Goat Cheese: Even if you’re skeptical of goat cheese, give it a try in this recipe. I think you’ll quickly become a fan.Speaking of goat cheese, since it’s a softer cheese, you’ll want to mix it in last to keep the crumbles intact.

• Serving: If serving at an outdoor event in cooler autumn weather, this pasta salad can safely remain out for longer than traditional mayo-based salads, making it a great choice for picnics and alfresco dining.
• Storage: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it gets a bit dry, drizzle with some olive oil or a bit more dressing before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together. Just give it a good toss before serving, and you might need to add a splash of dressing if it dries out a bit.

I’m not a fan of pine nuts; what else can I use?

Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds can be a delicious substitute, adding a slightly different but pleasant crunch.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly! Feta or crumbled blue cheese could be good alternatives, though they will change the flavor profile slightly.

How long will this pasta salad keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this salad should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first 2 days for optimal freshness.

This fall pasta salad is pretty straightforward but loaded with flavor. It’s one of those simple and classic recipes we come to love and go back to time and again.

I hope you’ll give this salad a try this fall. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad combines all the flavors of fall for one epic and easy fall entertaining recipe.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fall, pasta salad, poppy seed dressing

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 416kcal

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 pound multi-colored pasta
• 3 cups broccoli chopped (about 1-inch pieces)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pine nuts toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing
• 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled

Instructions

• Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the sweet potato pieces on a large baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and then toss. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. You’ll want the pasta to be al dente. Drain the pasta, allow it to cool, and place it in a large bowl.
• To the bowl of pasta, add the roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and red onions. Toss with the poppy seed dressing until evenly coated. Crumble in the goat cheese and gently stir again until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Stir before serving, adding more dressing if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 1081mg | Potassium: 437mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 7063IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg