As the temperatures drop, winter pasta salad recipes bring warmth and heartiness to your table. Unlike traditional summer pasta salads, these cold-weather pasta dishes are packed with seasonal ingredients like roasted vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, and warm dressings. Whether you need a festive holiday side dish, a meal-prep lunch, or a satisfying dinner, these easy winter pasta salad recipes will be a delicious addition to your seasonal menu.
Why These Winter Pasta Salad Recipes Are Perfect for Cold Weather
✔ Seasonal Ingredients – Includes winter vegetables, nuts, and grains.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Keeps well for easy make-ahead lunches and dinners.
✔ Ideal for Holiday Gatherings – Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or potlucks.
✔ Warm and Comforting – Unlike cold pasta salads, these include roasted ingredients and warm dressings.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Options for vegetarian, creamy, tangy, and protein-rich variations.
1. Roasted Butternut Squash & Cranberry Pasta Salad
This sweet and savory winter pasta salad recipe features roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and feta cheese for the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until golden.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta, roasted squash, cranberries, feta, and nuts.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to coat.
✔ Pro Tip: Add grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein!
2. Warm Winter Pasta Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
This warm and savory winter pasta salad features crispy bacon, roasted Brussels sprouts, and parmesan cheese for a deliciously rich dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked bowtie pasta
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until crispy.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and garlic powder for the dressing.
- Combine pasta, Brussels sprouts, crumbled bacon, parmesan, and almonds.
- Toss with dressing and serve warm.
✔ Pro Tip: Add grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal!
3. Creamy Winter Pasta Salad with Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A rich and flavorful winter pasta salad recipe with creamy pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked fusilli pasta
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a bowl, mix pesto, cream cheese, and parmesan until smooth.
- Toss pasta with the creamy pesto mixture.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, salt, and pepper.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
✔ Pro Tip: Top with fresh basil and grilled shrimp for an elegant touch!
4. Hearty Winter Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables
A warm, comforting pasta salad filled with roasted root vegetables, feta cheese, and balsamic dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
- 1 cup roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots, sweet potatoes, and peppers with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and garlic powder.
- Mix pasta, roasted vegetables, feta, and pumpkin seeds.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well.
✔ Pro Tip: Add quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein!
Final Thoughts – Try These Winter Pasta Salad Recipes Today!
These winter pasta salad recipes are perfect for seasonal gatherings, holiday meals, or cozy weeknight dinners. Whether you love sweet and savory combinations, creamy textures, or roasted vegetables, there’s a winter pasta salad recipe for you!
🍽 Try these easy winter pasta salad recipes today and bring comforting flavors to your winter meals! ❄️🍝
For more winter-friendly meals, check out these cozy pasta recipes