How to Make a Delicious Winter Pasta Salad

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!

Table of contents: