If you are looking to add a burst of fresh, sweet, and tangy flavors to your fall table, this Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining crisp Honeycrisp apples with chewy dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and cool feta cheese tucked between tender rotini pasta, this salad delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that celebrate the essence of autumn. The creamy, slightly tangy dressing ties everything together, making it more than just a side dish—it’s a colorful, comforting celebration of the season in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one adds something special—texture, color, or a punch of flavor—so you’ll want to gather quality produce and pantry staples to make it truly delightful.
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta: The perfect shapes to hold onto the creamy dressing and mix-ins, creating a hearty bite every time.
- 1 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apple (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and a crisp crunch that contrasts beautifully with softer ingredients.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: These chewy bursts of tartness bring a lovely pop of color and fall flavor.
- ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted): Toasting elevates their nutty aroma and adds an irresistible crunch.
- ½ cup celery (thinly sliced): Fresh and crisp, celery contributes subtle savory notes and extra texture.
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped): A bit of sharpness that balances the sweetness and creaminess in the salad.
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled): Its tangy creaminess wraps the salad with a luscious finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): A herbaceous touch to brighten every forkful.
- For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dressing.
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness, balancing the mayonnaise.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Gives a subtle, zesty kick that highlights the apples.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and gently.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a little zing to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente—this will keep it tender without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, which helps maintain the salad’s refreshing texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This smooth, creamy dressing carries the salad’s flavors and adds that wonderful combination of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that make this recipe a standout.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Then toss in the chopped apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, thinly sliced celery, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats each ingredient, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Pop your salad into the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture. Serve the Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe cold for the best experience.
How to Serve Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a final crunch, reserve some toasted pecans to sprinkle on top just before serving. A light scattering of extra parsley not only looks fresh but adds a burst of herbal brightness that makes the dish visually inviting and flavorful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs marvelously with hearty autumn mains like roasted turkey, maple-glazed ham, or even grilled chicken. It also works perfectly as a standalone lunch or picnic item accompanied by crusty bread or a warm soup for a comforting seasonal meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for portable, pretty servings, perfect for potlucks or picnics. You can also arrange it over a bed of mixed greens to turn it into a more substantial entrée salad or use it as a lively side alongside your favorite fall charcuterie board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again, as some of the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
Because of the fresh apples and creamy dressing, this salad does not freeze well. Freezing will alter the texture of the apples and the dressing, causing it to become watery and mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, take it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it less chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for the salad?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples offer a sweet and crisp texture, Granny Smith apples can add a tart twist that balances the salad nicely.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt or sour cream can be used as alternatives, though they might slightly change the tanginess and texture of the dressing.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Swap the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for vegan versions, and replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether for a delicious vegan Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Just add fresh apples right before serving to keep them crisp or toss the chopped apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
What other nuts could I use besides pecans?
Walnuts or sliced almonds are great alternatives that also add a delightful crunch and complement the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly brings the warmth and charm of fall to your table. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family gathering or packing it for a seasonal picnic, its perfect harmony of flavors and textures makes it a standout. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this vibrant salad as much as I do—it’s bound to become a beloved favorite in your collection!
Print
Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Autumn Apple Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining tender pasta with crisp apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy feta. Tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and apple cider vinegar, it’s a refreshing and colorful salad ideal for fall gatherings or as a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- ½ cup celery, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing bowl, then fold in the chopped apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, sliced celery, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad once more. Optionally, sprinkle a few reserved toasted pecans on top for extra crunch. Serve the pasta salad cold as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- For added crunch, reserve a few toasted pecans to sprinkle on top just before serving.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans and goat cheese for feta if desired for a different flavor profile.
