Fall Harvest Pasta Salad With Apples & Pecans Recipe
Let me share one of my favorite fall recipes that’ll make you fall in love with pasta salad all over again. I discovered this perfect blend of crisp honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans, and al dente pasta while experimenting with seasonal ingredients in my kitchen last autumn. The maple-dijon dressing ties everything together with its sweet-tangy notes, while fresh herbs add that perfect finishing touch. You won’t believe how these seemingly unusual ingredients create such a harmonious dish that captures the essence of harvest season.
Why You’ll Love This Fall Pasta Salad
Why wait for a special occasion when you can whip up this cozy fall pasta salad that’s perfect for any autumn gathering?
You’ll love how the sweet crunch of fresh apples pairs with toasted pecans and tender pasta. I’ve made this countless times, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults.
The maple-dijon dressing ties all the seasonal flavors together beautifully.
Essential Ingredients & Substitutions
Building this cozy fall pasta salad starts with gathering the perfect blend of seasonal ingredients.
You’ll need rotini pasta, crisp honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese.
For the dressing, grab apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
Can’t find pecans? Walnuts work beautifully, and feta makes a tangy swap for goat cheese.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Three basic kitchen tools are all you’ll need to bring this fall pasta salad together. You’ll want a large pot for cooking the pasta, a sharp chef’s knife for chopping the apples and vegetables, and a spacious mixing bowl to combine all ingredients. I also recommend having measuring cups and a colander handy for draining the pasta properly.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Creating this fall harvest pasta salad is straightforward when you follow these simple steps.
| Step | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 min | Cook pasta al dente, drain, and cool |
| 2 | 5 min | Dice apples, celery, and red onion |
| 3 | 3 min | Toast pecans in dry skillet until fragrant |
| 4 | 2 min | Whisk dressing: maple syrup, olive oil, vinegar |
Combine cooled pasta with chopped ingredients in a large bowl. Pour dressing over top, tossing gently to coat. Let flavors meld for 30 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Since this vibrant fall pasta salad holds up beautifully in the fridge, I love making it a day ahead for potlucks and family gatherings.
I’ve learned some helpful storage tricks to keep it fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reserve extra dressing on the side to refresh before serving
- Keep apples from browning by tossing with lemon juice
- Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This hearty fall pasta salad works beautifully as both a main dish or crowd-pleasing side.
I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a complete meal.
For a memorable autumn spread, pair it with butternut squash soup and crusty artisan bread.
You can also portion it into mason jars for a Pinterest-worthy desk lunch or elegant picnic offering.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
While this recipe shines in its classic form, I’ve discovered countless ways to adapt it to different tastes and dietary needs.
I love experimenting with various ingredients to create exciting new flavor combinations.
- Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pepitas for different crunch profiles
- Swap apples for pears, dried cranberries, or roasted butternut squash
- Try gluten-free pasta or whole grain varieties for dietary preferences
- Add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled goat cheese
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
After years of making this fall harvest pasta salad, I’ve learned several game-changing tips that’ll help you achieve perfect results every time.
Always cook your pasta al dente, then rinse it under cold water to prevent sticking.
I’ve found that letting the dressed salad chill for at least two hours helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Don’t skip toasting those pecans – it’s a total game-changer!