Description
This Fall Pasta Salad with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts is packed with roasted veggies, apples, goat cheese, and a maple balsamic dressing. A cozy, colorful dish that works as a side or main for autumn dinners, meal prep, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
12 oz short pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or bow-ties)
3 cups butternut squash, diced (fresh or pre-cut)
2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
1 apple (Honeycrisp or preferred variety), diced
1–2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (or feta)
½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
Maple Balsamic Dressing:
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1½ tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Roast the Veggies – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast 20 minutes. Add diced apple and roast another 10–15 minutes, until tender.
Cook the Pasta – While veggies roast, bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, 1–2 minutes less for al dente. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine pasta, roasted veggies, goat cheese, and cranberries (if using). Pour dressing over and toss until well coated.
Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with extra thyme or nuts if desired.
Notes
For a make-ahead version, keep dressing and goat cheese separate until ready to serve.
Sweet potatoes can replace butternut squash.
Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Use tri-colored pasta for a festive holiday look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Roasted + Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg