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Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

A close-up overhead view of a bowl of fall pasta salad, featuring fusilli pasta, butternut squash, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
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A hearty and flavorful pasta salad perfect for fall potlucks, featuring butternut squash, cranberries, and a sweet maple vinaigrette. This recipe travels well and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound gluten-free rotini pasta
  • 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
  • For the Maple Vinaigrette:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Let cool.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
  5. Pour the maple vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. If using, gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese.
  7. Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This dish is ideal for meal planning and can be prepared a day in advance.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
  • If you don’t have gluten-free pasta, regular rotini or fusilli will also work.
  • This salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
  • Consider this a great option for gluten-free meal delivery services.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/fall-pasta-salad/