If you’re looking for a fresh spin on pasta salads that perfectly captures the crisp, cozy vibes of the season, this Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It beautifully balances the tart sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with the creamy tang of feta cheese, all tied together by a luscious, zesty dressing. Each bite offers a lively medley of textures and flavors—from chewy dried cranberries to crunchy toasted pecans—making it the star side dish for any autumn gathering or a bright weekday lunch that reminds you of fall’s best treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients you can easily find, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that signature autumn charm. From the tender pasta to the crisp apples and crunchy nuts, every component adds a unique texture and flavor that makes this salad irresistible.
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta: These shapes hold the dressing perfectly and add a fun bite to the salad.
- 1 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apple (chopped): Choose a sweet-tart variety to give a fresh, juicy crunch that defines the salad.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: For bursts of sweetness that complement the apples beautifully.
- ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted): Toasting boosts their nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
- ½ cup celery (thinly sliced): Adds a subtle crispness and refreshing bite.
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped): Gives a mild sharpness without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled): Provides a creamy, tangy contrast that brings the salad to life.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): A fresh herbal note that brightens the whole dish.
- â…“ cup mayonnaise: Creates a rich and smooth base for the dressing.
- â…“ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with a hint of tang and a healthful touch.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and a little zip to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally while complimenting the apple flavors.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a subtle tang.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling your rotini or bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This ensures a perfect tender bite that isn’t mushy. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta completely. Rinsing stops the cooking process and helps the pasta absorb the dressing without getting soggy, which is key to maintaining texture in this salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
While the pasta cools, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy. This dressing gives the salad a rich, tangy foundation with a touch of sweetness that ties the entire dish together deliciously.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta to your dressing bowl along with the chopped apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, thinly sliced celery, red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with that vibrant dressing and layered with all those wonderful flavors and textures.
Step 4: Chill and Marry the Flavors
Pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step allows the ingredients to mingle, so each forkful hits you with a harmonious blend of crispness, creaminess, sweetness, and tang. It’s the secret to making this Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe truly memorable.
How to Serve Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Right before serving, sprinkle a few reserved toasted pecans on top for an extra pop of crunch and nuttiness. A little fresh parsley goes a long way too, adding a cheerful green flourish that makes this salad look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or your favorite hearty sandwich. Its fresh and vibrant flavors bring balance to richer mains, making your meal feel complete and thoughtfully composed.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or bowls layered with whole pecans on the bottom and finished with a parsley sprig on top. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual dinner parties where presentation makes a delightful impression.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll want to give it a gentle toss before serving again, as some ingredients may settle or the dressing could thicken slightly.
Freezing
Because of the fresh apples and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended as it could change the texture and flavor negatively. Best to enjoy fresh or within a few days when stored properly.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised since it’s designed to be a refreshing, cool dish that highlights the freshness of its ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp or Fuji apples provide the perfect balance of sweet and tart, Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples also work well if you prefer a tarter bite.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes! Swap the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for vegan alternatives, and replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely to keep it dairy-free and delicious.
What can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts are an excellent substitute and provide a similar crunch and earthiness. You could also try toasted almonds or sunflower seeds if you’re looking for something different.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
Making this Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe up to a day ahead works great. Just be sure to toss it gently and add any reserved nuts right before serving to keep the crunch.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas would complement the flavors and boost the protein, turning this salad into a hearty and satisfying main course.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe is hands down one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to all season long. It’s bright, flavorful, and packed with comforting textures that bring the essence of fall right to your plate. Whether you’re hosting friends or just spoiling yourself, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box.
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
Autumn Apple Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining tender rotini pasta with crisp Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and apple cider vinegar. Perfectly chilled, this salad is a delightful, flavorful side for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving tables.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 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:
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- â…“ 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: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: To the dressing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, sliced celery, chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta and fruits are evenly coated with the dressing and all components are well mixed.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold, optionally garnished with additional toasted pecans for extra crunch.
Notes
- For added crunch, reserve a few toasted pecans to sprinkle on top just before serving.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans and goat cheese for feta for a different flavor profile.
