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–+ servings

Autumn Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda and Bacon

Ethan Walker
This autumn pasta salad features chewy noodles, crispy bacon, and smoky gouda, mixed with sweet roasted veggies and a tangy maple Dijon dressing, making it a perfect comfort food without being heavy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz rotini, farfalle, or penne pasta Use the best shape to catch the dressing.
  • 6 oz smoked gouda, diced small Don't skimp on the gouda!
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled For a vegetarian version, consider roasted chickpeas or tempeh bacon.
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed Roast for maximum sweetness.
  • 1 heaping cup Brussels sprouts, chopped Roasting gives a nutty flavor.
  • 0.5 ea red onion, sliced thin Charred edges add flavor.
  • 2 cups baby spinach, fresh Add just before serving.
  • 1/3 cup walnuts or pepitas For crunch.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For roasting vegetables.

Maple Dijon Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

Roast the Vegetables

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for about 22 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Cook the Pasta

  • While the vegetables are roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Combine Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, toss the warm roasted vegetables with the cooked pasta and dressing, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly.
  • Add the smoked gouda and crumbled bacon, and toss lightly.
  • Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Notes

For best results, keep crunchy ingredients separate until just before serving. The dish can be made ahead for meal prep; combine ingredients just before serving to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g
Keyword Bacon, Fall Recipes, Pasta Salad, roasted vegetables, Smoked Gouda
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