Fall Harvest Salad with Spinach, Pasta, Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, Cranberries, and Goat Cheese

Introduction

This Fall Harvest Salad is a celebration of autumn’s vibrant bounty. Combining hearty pasta, sweet roasted butternut squash, fresh spinach, crunchy pumpkin seeds, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, it offers an exciting medley of textures and flavors. This salad is a fantastic way to highlight seasonal produce and create an irresistible dish that is equally perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or as a show-stopping holiday side.

Why This Fall Harvest Salad Will Be Your New Favorite

What makes this recipe truly special is its harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes along with a satisfying contrast between warm and cool elements. The roasted butternut squash brings a gentle sweetness, while goat cheese adds a luxurious tang. Toasted pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries deliver a pop of crunch and chew in every bite making this salad a true crowd pleaser for every palate.

The Secret to a Flavorful Fall Salad

The key to elevating this harvest salad lies in balancing temperatures and textures. Toss the warm, caramelized squash and al dente pasta with fresh spinach for a slightly wilted green base. Let the goat cheese gently melt from the heat, coating the other elements in creamy richness. Finish with pumpkin seeds and cranberries as vibrant garnishes. Customize further by drizzling with a maple-Dijon vinaigrette for a sweet and tangy finish.

Versatile and Satisfying

This fall salad can double as a hearty vegetarian main or a colorful side dish for family feasts and potlucks. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or can be bulked up with chickpeas for additional plant protein.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Salad

Serve your Fall Harvest Salad on a large platter with extra toasted pumpkin seeds and cranberries scattered over the top, and a final sprinkle of goat cheese for presentation. Offer a side of crusty bread to soak up any dressing. This dish holds up well at room temperature, making it ideal for entertaining.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6 as a side or 4 as a main. Each serving (as a side) contains approximately 250-300 calories, including protein from pasta, vitamins A and C from spinach and squash, and healthy fats from pumpkin seeds. It’s a nutritious, energizing option for any meal.

Fall Harvest Salad (Recap)

This salad brings together the quintessential tastes and textures of fall: sweet butternut squash, tart cranberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunch from pumpkin seeds. It transforms simple, healthy ingredients into an elegant, rewarding meal.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and golden.
2. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain well and toss with the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. In a large bowl, combine the warm pasta, roasted squash, and baby spinach. Toss gently so the spinach slightly wilts from the heat.
4. Add in the dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds, reserving a tablespoon of each for garnish if desired.
5. Crumble the goat cheese over the salad and toss lightly. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
6. If desired, drizzle with maple-Dijon vinaigrette just before serving. Garnish with the reserved cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and extra goat cheese.
7. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to preference.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Fall Harvest Salad is ideal for batching ahead as it holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days. Save and schedule this recipe to plan the best days to prepare it and automatically consolidate ingredients across all your meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Combines grocery needs for the week into a streamlined shopping list
• Sorts ingredients by store section for hassle-free shopping
• Avoids purchasing duplicates and prevents forgotten items
• Simplifies busy weeks with ready-to-go meal prep schedules

Pro tip: Schedule this recipe alongside your other fall favorites to see how ingredients overlap, minimizing waste and maximizing kitchen efficiency.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy the ultimate celebration of autumn flavors with this nourishing Fall Harvest Salad—easy to prep, stunning to serve, and a superstar in any meal plan!