Description
This Fall Kale and Butternut Squash Pasta Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish packed with roasted squash, nutrient-rich kale, sweet cranberries, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and creamy feta tossed in a tangy maple Dijon dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or holiday sides.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
12 oz (340 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
3 cups diced butternut squash
2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
3 cups chopped kale, stems removed
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted
½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Maple Dijon Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pumpkin seeds for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
4. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted squash, chopped kale, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and feta. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
6. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
🍁 Tips:
– Swap feta for vegan cheese to make this plant-based.
– Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
– Can be prepared a few hours ahead; keep dressing separate until ready to serve for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Salad, Pasta, Fall Recipes
- Method: Roasted, Mixed
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Kale Pasta Salad, Butternut Squash Salad, Fall Pasta Salad, Healthy Vegetarian Salad, Maple Dijon Dressing