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Fall pasta salads are all about comfort and heartier ingredients while still keeping things cool and easy to serve. These recipes make the most of seasonal produce like roasted squash, apples, kale, and cranberries—mixed with pasta and flavorful dressings for the perfect side or light meal.
Whether you’re prepping for a cozy gathering, packing lunches, or needing a crowd-pleasing dish for a fall potluck, these pasta salads check every box.
They’re satisfying, colorful, and delicious, served cold or at room temperature.
1. Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Salad
I roast cubes of butternut squash until caramelized, then toss them with pasta, arugula, dried cranberries, and a maple-Dijon dressing. It’s cozy, colorful, and full of flavor.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Salad recipe.
2. Apple Cheddar Pasta Salad
Chopped apples and sharp cheddar cubes add sweet crunch and tangy bite to this salad. I toss it all with pasta, celery, and a creamy apple cider vinegar dressing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Apple Cheddar Pasta Salad recipe.
3. Bacon Brussels Sprouts Pasta Salad
I slice Brussels sprouts thin and give them a quick roast or sauté, then mix them with crumbled bacon, penne, and a warm mustard vinaigrette. It’s smoky and hearty.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the Bacon Brussels Sprouts Pasta Salad recipe.
4. Harvest Farfalle Pasta Salad
This one’s packed with roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, kale, and goat cheese. Tossed with bowtie pasta and a balsamic-maple dressing, it’s fall in a bowl.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
Get the Harvest Farfalle Pasta Salad recipe.
5. Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
I massage kale with Caesar dressing and toss it with cooked pasta, roasted chickpeas, and parmesan. It’s crunchy, creamy, and holds up well for leftovers.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the kale Caesar pasta salad recipe.
6. Pumpkin Sage Pasta Salad
I stir canned pumpkin into a creamy dressing with fresh sage, then toss it with pasta, roasted mushrooms, and baby spinach. It’s savory, seasonal, and feels like a warm hug—even served chilled.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the Pumpkin Sage Pasta Salad recipe.
7. Pasta Salad with Roasted Beets and Feta
Roasted beets add earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with tangy feta and arugula. I prefer using small pasta, such as rotini, so that everything mixes evenly.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
Get the Pasta Salad with Roasted Beets and Feta recipe.
8. Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
This one’s rich and savory. I caramelize onions low and slow, then mix them with fusilli, goat cheese, spinach, and a light balsamic dressing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad recipe.
9. Maple Dijon Fall Veggie Pasta Salad
I roast a mix of carrots, parsnips, and red onion, then toss with pasta and a maple Dijon vinaigrette. Add toasted walnuts for crunch and flavor.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the Maple Dijon Fall Veggie Pasta Salad recipe.
10. Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Salad
I cook Italian sausage and mix it with roasted red peppers, rotini, and baby spinach. A garlic-herb vinaigrette ties it all together—hearty enough for a main dish.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Salad recipe.
11. Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
This one’s rich and flavorful. I toss pasta with pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of arugula. Add pine nuts or parmesan if you want more depth.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad recipe.
12. Butternut and Kale Tortellini Salad
Cheese tortellini make this salad feel extra cozy. I mix in roasted butternut squash, sautéed kale, and a light garlic dressing. It works warm or room temperature.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the Butternut and Kale Tortellini Salad recipe.
13. Roasted Cauliflower Pasta Salad
I roast cauliflower florets until golden and crispy, then toss with pasta, capers, chopped parsley, and lemon vinaigrette. It’s savory, citrusy, and a little unexpected.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the roasted cauliflower pasta salad recipe.
14. Apple Cranberry Pasta Salad
Chopped apples and dried cranberries add sweet-tart flavor. I mix them with pasta, celery, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing for a lighter take on fall flavors.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Apple Cranberry Pasta Salad recipe.
15. Roasted Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad
Roasted broccoli and crispy bacon bits add big flavor to this hearty pasta salad. I finish with a creamy ranch-style dressing and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Roasted Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad recipe.
16. Warm Fall Pasta Salad with Mushrooms and Spinach
I sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme, then toss with pasta, wilted spinach, and a warm vinaigrette. Serve right away or at room temp—it’s satisfying either way.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Warm Fall Pasta Salad with Mushrooms and Spinach recipe.
