Fall Harvest Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

As the leaves turn golden and a crispness fills the air, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty, flavorful fall salad. One of my family’s all-time favorites is this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing—a vibrant medley of roasted vegetables, crunchy pecans, and a tangy, homemade dressing that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s a dish that embodies the warmth and abundance of autumn, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.

This pasta salad isn’t your average picnic side—it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine tender roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli mingling with smoky bacon and chewy cranberries. Then, add the delightful crunch of maple-glazed pecans and pine nuts, the salty bite of feta, and the creamy richness of our homemade poppyseed dressing. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful, and it’s sure to become a staple in your fall recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love It

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad isn’t just another side dish, it’s a complete and satisfying meal that’s bursting with seasonal flavors. The blend of roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli, smoky bacon, and chewy cranberries creates a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of tang. The maple-glazed pecans and pine nuts add a wonderful crunch, while the creamy poppyseed dressing ties everything together perfectly. It’s a dish that will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

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What You’ll Need

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad calls for a delightful mix of fresh, seasonal ingredients that combine to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s the lineup:

For the Salad:

• 2 boxes Cavatappi or Rotini pasta (I adore Three Farm Daughters brand!)
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 medium Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 heads Broccoli, cut into florets
• 5 slices Canadian Bacon, chopped (optional, but oh-so-good!)
• 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries or Raisins
• 2 Shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cups Kale, shredded
• 1/2 cup Maple-Glazed Pecans
• 1/3 cup Pine Nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
• 1 1/4 cups Creamy Poppyseed Dressing (see below!)

For the Homemade Poppyseed Dressing:

• 3/4 cup top-quality Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar
• 1/3 cup Milk
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh Poppy Seeds
• 1/4 cup Extra Fine Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• Pinch of Salt

From Start to Finish

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and cube sweet potatoes, chop broccoli into florets, and roughly chop Canadian bacon (if using).

Step 2: Roast the Veggies

Arrange sweet potatoes, broccoli, and bacon on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Roast for 25-35 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and bacon is cooked through.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the veggies are roasting, cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and rinse with cool water.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Dressing

Transfer cooked pasta to a large bowl. Add chopped shallots, shredded kale, and dried cranberries. Drizzle with the poppyseed dressing (recipe below) and stir until well combined. Refrigerate.

Step 5: Make the Poppyseed Dressing

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, milk, poppy seeds, sugar, dry mustard, and a pinch of salt. Shake vigorously until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate any unused dressing for up to a week. So easy!

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Once roasted vegetables have cooled, gently fold them into the pasta mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serve

Just before serving, stir in half of the maple-glazed pecans and pine nuts. Add a splash of milk or extra dressing if needed. Pile into a serving dish, scatter with the remaining pecans and pine nuts, and crumble feta cheese over the top. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and serve!

Better-Than-Grandma Tips

• Roast to Perfection: Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet when roasting the vegetables. Give them space to breathe and caramelize for maximum flavor. Check out our Dinner recipes for more inspiration.
• Dressing Magic: Make the poppyseed dressing ahead of time and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day!
• Toast It Up: Toasting the pine nuts enhances their buttery flavor. Just keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
• Customize It: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Try adding different nuts, seeds, or cheeses to create your own unique twist.

Try These Variations

• Greek Goddess Twist: Swap the feta for crumbled goat cheese and add some chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Harvest: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some chopped jalapeños for a kick.
• Autumn Apple Crunch: Incorporate diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet and tart twist. Check our Desserts category for apple-inspired treats!
• Winter Citrus Burst: Add segments of oranges and grapefruit for a refreshing winter variation.

No matter how you choose to customize it, this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to please.

How to Serve

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is a complete meal in itself. But, you can also make it shine alongside grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed dinner. Serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious dressing or a simple green salad for a lighter touch. Explore more serving suggestions on our blog.

For a festive fall gathering, this pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to make ahead of time, so you can spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

That’s a Wrap

This Fall Harvest Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of autumn flavors! With its vibrant colors and satisfying blend of textures, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends on social media! You can find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and X/Twitter. For more delicious lunch ideas, check out our Lunch category.