This Fall Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing brings together the very best flavors of the season in one vibrant bowl. The roasted butternut squash adds a caramelized sweetness, cranberries provide a tart bite, and crunchy pecans balance everything with earthy nuttiness. All of this is tied together with a luscious, slightly tangy poppyseed dressing that makes each bite feel like autumn on a fork. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can serve it as a hearty side for a cozy family dinner, bring it along to a potluck, or make it ahead for meal prep lunches. It’s colorful, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter at your holiday table. With layers of flavor and texture, this salad proves that comfort food and freshness can go hand in hand.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
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2 cups butternut squash, cubed and roasted
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1 cup dried cranberries
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1 cup pecans, toasted
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1 cup baby spinach
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Creamy Poppyseed Dressing:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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3 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp poppyseeds
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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While pasta cooks, roast butternut squash cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, roasted butternut squash, cranberries, pecans, spinach, red onion, and feta cheese.
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Pour dressing over salad and toss until everything is well coated.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: ~360 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Story Behind Fall Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing
Fall is one of the most celebrated seasons for food lovers. The abundance of colorful vegetables, seasonal fruits, and earthy flavors makes it the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. This Fall Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing embodies the essence of autumn. With roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, pecans, and spinach, it balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in one vibrant bowl.
Pasta salads are often associated with summer gatherings, but by using seasonal ingredients like squash and cranberries, this dish seamlessly transitions pasta salad into the cooler months. The creamy poppyseed dressing is what makes this recipe shine—it’s sweet, tangy, and creamy, tying together all the textures beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe contributes not only to flavor but also to nutrition. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immunity and eye health. Spinach brings a dose of iron, folate, and fiber, making the salad more nutrient-dense. Dried cranberries add antioxidants and a natural sweetness, while pecans provide healthy fats and protein for satiety.
Feta cheese offers a salty tang while adding calcium and protein, though it can be swapped for a dairy-free alternative if needed. Finally, the pasta itself makes the dish hearty and filling, providing carbohydrates for energy. With such a combination, this recipe becomes both satisfying and nourishing.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Unlike many pasta salads that can feel heavy or one-note, this fall version strikes the perfect balance. The creaminess of the dressing contrasts with the chewy cranberries and crunchy pecans. The roasted squash adds warmth and depth, while the spinach keeps it fresh. This careful layering of flavors and textures makes it stand out from the typical pasta salads you may have tried before.
The recipe is also highly versatile. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it an all-season favorite. It also works well as a side dish at holiday gatherings, a main dish for a weeknight dinner, or even as a lunchbox-friendly option for work or school.
Seasonal Appeal for Autumn and Holidays
This pasta salad captures the spirit of autumn with its harvest-inspired ingredients. Roasted butternut squash and cranberries are classic fall flavors that evoke warmth and festivity. Serving this dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas adds a seasonal twist to your menu and provides a lighter, colorful option alongside heavier holiday staples.
It’s also a beautiful dish to present on the table. The vibrant orange squash, deep red cranberries, green spinach, and creamy dressing create a visually appealing salad that can double as a centerpiece dish at gatherings. Guests often eat with their eyes first, and this recipe is sure to spark compliments before the first bite.
Easy to Make and Meal Prep Friendly
Another reason this recipe is a favorite is its simplicity. With just a handful of steps, you can create a gourmet-looking dish without needing professional skills. Roasting squash, boiling pasta, whisking a quick dressing, and combining everything together is all it takes.
It also keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, and it can be enjoyed over several days. If you’re busy during the week but want healthy, ready-to-eat meals, this recipe is a great option to prepare ahead of time.
Customization and Substitutions
This recipe is adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can substitute gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly. If you want a vegan version, simply swap the mayonnaise for vegan mayo and use a plant-based feta alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
You can also add protein like grilled chicken, turkey, or even roasted chickpeas for a heartier meal. If butternut squash isn’t available, try using sweet potatoes or roasted carrots. The creamy poppyseed dressing can also be adjusted—adding more vinegar for tang, more honey for sweetness, or using yogurt entirely for a lighter option.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
With so many pasta salad recipes out there, this one deserves a special place on your table. It’s more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of autumn’s flavors and textures. The sweet and savory combination makes it crowd-pleasing, even for those who don’t usually gravitate toward salads.
It’s a dish that bridges the gap between comfort food and healthy eating. You’ll get the cozy satisfaction of roasted squash and pasta while also reaping the health benefits of leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. This makes it an excellent choice for both family meals and festive gatherings.
Conclusion
The Fall Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing is more than a recipe—it’s a seasonal experience. Packed with vibrant colors, wholesome ingredients, and a blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, it captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday spread, a cozy dinner, or a make-ahead lunch, it will quickly become a go-to favorite. This salad proves that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly memorable.