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Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 125 reviews

Autumn Apple Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the crisp flavors of fresh apples, celery, and grapes with toasted nuts and a creamy yogurt-based dressing. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a delightful side dish, this salad balances sweetness and tartness while offering a satisfying texture. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the bounty of autumn.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Produce

  • 8 ounces pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved

Nuts and Cheese

  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced apples, finely chopped celery, halved grapes, toasted and chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and shredded cheddar cheese if using.
  4. Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing without bruising the delicate fruits.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cool.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, gently toss the salad again and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Toast nuts in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to deepen their flavor before adding them to the salad.
  • Adjust creaminess of dressing by varying the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise amounts according to preference.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs such as dill or chives to add brightness and complexity.
  • Substitute cheddar cheese with feta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
  • For vegan versions, replace dairy-based yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
  • Salad can be made a few hours ahead but add dressing just before serving to keep ingredients crisp.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing is possible without dressing for up to one month; thaw in refrigerator and add fresh dressing before serving.

Keywords: Autumn salad, pasta salad, apple salad, fall recipes, creamy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, vegetarian lunch

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/autumn-apple-pasta-salad-recipe/