Name: Autumn Apple Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works well); 1 large apple, chopped (Honeycrisp or Gala for sweetness); 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Autumn Apple Pasta Salad brings the best of fall flavors together in a simple, refreshing dish. The crisp apples and crunchy walnuts are perfectly balanced by the tangy-sweet maple dressing, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. The creamy feta adds richness, while the dried cranberries provide a touch of tartness, enhancing the salad’s flavor.

Ideal for a cozy fall day, this pasta salad is versatile and easy to make. It works beautifully as a side dish for holiday gatherings, potluck events, or a light lunch on a chilly afternoon. Each bite delivers a taste of the season, making it a favorite for any fall occasion.

Full Recipe:

8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works well)
1 large apple, chopped (Honeycrisp or Gala for sweetness)
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped apple, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the apple mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve chilled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Exploring the Essence of Autumn Apple Pasta Salad

Autumn Apple Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of crisp apples, savory pasta, crunchy walnuts, and tangy-sweet dressing, all crafted to capture the spirit of fall. This salad showcases the rich and comforting flavors of the season while bringing a fresh twist to traditional pasta salads. Perfectly suited for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a nourishing midweek lunch, this dish combines seasonal ingredients and simple preparation, making it a staple for autumn meals. The combination of textures and flavors in this salad makes it truly unique, and the beauty of this recipe is its versatility – it can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Whether you’re hosting friends or prepping meals for the week, Autumn Apple Pasta Salad offers something for everyone. The dish shines in its ability to bring out the best of seasonal ingredients, creating a nutritious, satisfying, and memorable dish that embodies the essence of autumn.

Why This Pasta Salad Stands Out

One of the key features of this Autumn Apple Pasta Salad is the balance it strikes between familiar comfort and refreshing brightness. Unlike heavier autumn dishes, this salad is light yet filling, with a lively blend of ingredients that celebrate the season’s produce without overwhelming the palate. Apples, walnuts, and cranberries provide a pleasing contrast of flavors and textures, and the pasta adds heartiness while letting the other ingredients shine.

This dish also stands out because it bridges the gap between savory and sweet, with each ingredient contributing something unique. For instance, the crisp, sweet apple pairs wonderfully with creamy feta and the slight bitterness of toasted walnuts, while the cranberries add a subtle tartness that rounds everything out.

A Seasonal Take on the Classic Pasta Salad

Traditional pasta salads are often associated with summer picnics, but this autumn-inspired version is a refreshing departure from the norm. The inclusion of apples and cranberries adds a festive touch, making it ideal for the fall and early winter months. This seasonal twist is a great example of how familiar dishes can be reimagined with simple, seasonal changes to suit different times of the year.

This salad is not only perfect for casual meals at home but also an ideal addition to any holiday spread. It brings a pop of color and a unique taste profile, adding variety and freshness to rich holiday meals. Plus, it’s an excellent option for those looking for a lighter, vegetarian dish to balance out the typical holiday fare.

The Star Ingredients and Their Unique Contributions

Each ingredient in the Autumn Apple Pasta Salad plays an essential role in achieving its signature flavor and texture profile.

Apples – Apples are the heart of this salad, bringing a juicy sweetness and delightful crunch. Opting for varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala will give the best results due to their sweetness and firm texture. These apples retain their shape and crunch even when tossed with other ingredients, ensuring each bite has a bit of fresh, crisp apple goodness.
Pasta – Choosing the right pasta is essential for this salad. A shape like penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta provides plenty of surface area to hold the dressing and mingle with the other ingredients. The pasta acts as the base, adding volume and substance while allowing the other ingredients to shine.
Walnuts – Toasted walnuts introduce a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta and juicy apples. Walnuts also add a satisfying heartiness and make the salad feel more filling, thanks to their healthy fats and protein content.
Cranberries – Dried cranberries bring a hint of tartness, which helps balance the sweetness of the apples and the creaminess of the dressing. They add a festive flair and an unexpected burst of flavor, making this salad perfect for autumn gatherings.
Feta Cheese – Feta adds a creamy, salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit. Its tangy flavor complements the maple dressing and rounds out the flavor profile of the dish, adding an extra layer of richness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Maple Dressing – The dressing, made with a blend of mayonnaise, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar, is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet. This dressing ties all the ingredients together, enhancing each element while adding its own subtle flavor.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

Autumn Apple Pasta Salad doesn’t just taste good; it’s also packed with nutrients. Each ingredient brings its own set of health benefits, making this dish a wholesome addition to any meal.

Apples are a fantastic source of fiber, particularly in the skin, which can aid digestion and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. They also contain antioxidants like vitamin C, which support immune health.
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart health. They also provide protein, making this salad more filling and nutritious.
Cranberries offer a wealth of antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins, which are beneficial for urinary tract health. The natural sugars in cranberries also add a touch of sweetness without needing too much additional sugar in the dressing.
Feta Cheese provides calcium and protein while being lower in fat than many other cheeses. Its tangy flavor means a small amount goes a long way, so you can enjoy the creamy texture without adding too many calories.
Maple Syrup in the dressing is a natural sweetener with small amounts of antioxidants and minerals. It adds a unique flavor that works well with the apple and cranberry components, giving the salad a distinctly autumnal feel.

Perfect Occasions for Autumn Apple Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is versatile enough to be served for a variety of occasions. Its lightness makes it a great option for weekday lunches or as a side dish for heartier fall dinners. It’s also an impressive addition to any holiday meal, providing a fresh counterpoint to heavier dishes like roasts and casseroles.

For holiday potlucks or family gatherings, this dish brings a unique touch. It can easily be doubled or tripled to serve larger groups and is suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. If you’re meal prepping for the week, Autumn Apple Pasta Salad is an excellent choice as it keeps well and can be served cold or at room temperature.

Customization Ideas and Dietary Adjustments

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few suggestions to make this salad fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Make it Vegan: Swap out the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative and use vegan mayonnaise in the dressing. The result will still be creamy and delicious, and it can be enjoyed by anyone following a plant-based diet.
Add Protein: To make this salad more filling, add some grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even a scoop of cooked quinoa. This will add protein and make the salad suitable as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Substitute Nuts: If you’re serving this salad to someone with a nut allergy, try using pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts. They’ll still provide a delightful crunch without the risk of allergens.
Boost the Greens: Adding a handful of fresh spinach or arugula can add a burst of green to the salad, enhancing its visual appeal and nutritional value.
Experiment with Cheeses: While feta cheese adds a tangy richness, other cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese could also work well, providing a slightly different flavor profile.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pasta Salad

Choose the Right Apple: For the best flavor and texture, use firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala. These varieties hold up well in the salad and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural oils, intensifying their flavor and adding an extra layer of richness to the salad. A quick toast in a dry skillet is all it takes.
Let the Salad Sit: Once the salad is assembled, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, making for a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: This salad can be enjoyed either cold or at room temperature. If you’re serving it at a gathering, you can set it out without worrying too much about it warming up.

Conclusion: A Fall Favorite to Savor

Autumn Apple Pasta Salad is a celebration of fall’s bounty, bringing together ingredients that highlight the season’s flavors and colors. From the crisp apples to the earthy walnuts and the sweet-tart cranberries, every bite of this salad delivers a taste of autumn. The creamy maple dressing ties everything together, providing a delightful balance that complements each component.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and nutritious lunch, a side dish for your holiday table, or simply a cozy meal to enjoy on a crisp autumn day, this pasta salad is a versatile and delicious choice. Embrace the flavors of fall and enjoy the heartwarming taste of this seasonal dish – it’s sure to become a favorite for you and your loved ones.

Autumn Apple Pasta Salad