Table of contents:
- What is Winter Pasta Salad?
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How to Make It
- What to Serve With It
- FAQs
- Full Recipe
What is Winter Pasta Salad?
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with Winter Pasta Salad, a vibrant and comforting dish. Picture:
- Roasted butternut squash adding sweetness
- Crisp kale for a hearty texture
- Juicy apple chunks for freshness
- Candied nuts providing irresistible crunch
- Unexpected cheddar for a creamy, bold twist
Drizzle everything with a maple dijon dressing for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This salad is ideal for lunches, dinners, or festive gatherings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need and ways to customize:
- Pasta: Rigatoni is great, but any tubular or leftover pasta works.
- Kale: Replace with spinach, arugula, or radicchio if preferred.
- Roasted Butternut Squash: Use leftovers or freshly roasted.
- Apple: Swap for pear, roasted Brussels sprouts, or celery for crunch.
- Candied Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds—choose your favorite.
- Lemon: Substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.
- Unexpected Cheddar: Feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, or burrata are good alternatives.
- Maple Dijon Dressing: Use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Pro Tip: Customize ingredients based on what’s in your pantry!
How to Make It
Making this salad is simple:
- Prepare: Roast the butternut squash and whisk the dressing.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta, kale, squash, apples, candied nuts, and cheddar in a bowl.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and drizzle with dressing. Toss gently.
Serve immediately or refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
What Goes With Winter Pasta Salad?
This versatile dish pairs well with:
- Turkey Cheese Sliders
- Funeral Sandwiches
- Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches
Or complement with soups like:
- Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash
- Chicken Florentine Soup
- Kale, White Bean, and Sausage Soup
Pro Tip: Make extra for quick lunches all week!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pasta salad last?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge.
Why is pasta salad better the next day?
Overnight, the dressing infuses the pasta and veggies, enhancing the flavor.
Should I make pasta salad the day before?
Yes! Preparing it a day in advance allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Recipe
Winter Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups roasted butternut squash
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, diced
- ½ cup candied walnuts
- ½ cup unexpected cheddar, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Maple Dijon Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, squash, kale, apple, candied nuts, and cheddar.
- Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Enjoy the perfect autumn-inspired dish!