Description
Harvest Pasta Salad is a vibrant, seasonal delight that beautifully marries al dente pasta with roasted vegetables, crunchy nuts, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Bursting with flavor and color, this dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a satisfying light meal. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to impress at any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups mixed seasonal vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, butternut squash)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (toasted)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss mixed seasonal vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with roasted vegetables, fresh spinach, nuts, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg