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A vibrant fall-inspired pasta salad featuring colorful spiral pasta combined with bright orange butternut squash cubes, ruby-red cherry tomatoes, deep green spinach leaves, and toasted pecans garnished with fresh basil on a rustic wooden platter, with light drizzle of balsamic glaze showing textures of crunch and freshness

Autumn’s Best Fall Harvest Pasta Salad the Ultimate Year-Round Favorite

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A vibrant and nutritious fall pasta salad featuring seasonal vegetables, toasted nuts, and a flavorful vinaigrette, perfect for picnics and light dinners.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spiral pasta
  • 1 cup cubed roasted butternut squash
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted squash, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and chopped basil.
  4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top and serve immediately or chilled.

Notes

  • Adjust the sweetness with more honey if desired.
  • For extra protein, add grilled chicken or feta cheese.
  • Best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Method: Boiling, mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 320 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg