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Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Close-up of a bowl of fall pasta salad with fusilli pasta, diced butternut squash, and dried cranberries.
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A hearty and flavorful pasta salad perfect for potlucks, featuring seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and cranberries with a sweet maple dressing. This recipe travels well and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound gluten-free rotini pasta
  • 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 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 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Cook gluten-free rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Let cool.
  3. While the squash roasts, prepare the maple vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and fresh parsley.
  5. Pour the maple vinaigrette over the pasta salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This pasta salad is best served chilled.

Notes

  • For a nut-free option, omit the walnuts.
  • You can substitute sweet potatoes for butternut squash if preferred.
  • This salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. The flavors will continue to develop.
  • Consider this recipe as part of your meal planning for easy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Nutrition

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