Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

adapted from Bonappeteach

This salad is a vibrant, multi-textured dish that celebrates the best of autumn. It features al dente pasta tossed with earthy roasted sweet potatoes and caramelized Brussels sprouts. Crisp apples, toasted pecans, and nutty pepitas provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. Tart dried cranberries add bursts of sweetness that contrast with the savory roasted vegetables. The maple vinaigrette ties the ingredients together with a warm, tangy finish.

Makes 4 servings

4 oz short cut pasta, (such as rotini, fusilli, cavatappi, or penne), cooked according to package directions and cooled.
2/3 cup sweet potato diced into 1/2 inch pieces
2/3 cup shredded Brussels sprouts
1 tsp olive oil, divided
2/3 Granny Smith apple, cubed
1/3 cup roughly chopped pecans
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. dried cranberries
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. pepitas

1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. maple syrup
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. dried thyme dried
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Toss the sweet potato cubes with 1/2 tsp of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper; Transfer to a baking sheet.
3. Roast sweet potatoes for 7 min to start.
4. Toss the shredded sprouts in the remaining 1/2 tsp of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the shredded sprouts to the partially cooked sweet potato and cook both for an additional 5 minutes; The brussels sprouts should be light charred and cooked.
5. Set the potatoes and Brussel sprouts aside to cool.
6. In a large bowl combine the pasta, cooled sweet potato and brussels sprouts, apple, cranberries, pecans, and pepita seeds; Toss to combine.thymesalt
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper.
8. Once the dressing is well mixed, pour HALF over the salad and toss to combine; Reserve the remaining dressing.
9. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge, tossing again before serving. If serving later check the need for additional dressing before serving.

Enjoy!