Name: Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, diced and roasted; 1 tsp cinnamon; 8 oz cooked pasta, Christmas shapes; 1 Honey Crisp apple, diced; 6 oz white cheddar cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/2 small red onion, finely diced; 2 handfuls baby arugula; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1/2 tsp salt

There’s something about the colors, textures, and flavors all coming together that makes this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe truly stand out. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or anywhere you want a salad that feels both comforting and special.

This image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad. The salad has three main layers: the bottom layer is made of short shaped pasta in beige and green colors with unique cut-out patterns; on top of the pasta, there are small green leaves of arugula scattered around. The top layer consists of bright orange cubes of roasted sweet potatoes, red apple pieces, white cubes of cheese or tofu, and dark red dried cranberries. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some red cranberries around it. A golden fork is visible on the left side of the image near the bowl. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the fresh and vibrant colors of the salad photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this salad for the first time at a holiday potluck, and it disappeared fast — everyone loved that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. I get why it’s called festive; it just makes you feel like celebrating!

Colorful and Inviting: The bright roasted sweet potatoes and crisp apple bits make this salad as pretty as it is tasty.
Perfect Blend of Flavors: Sweet, tangy, and nutty elements come together in the dressing and toppings.
Crunchy Texture: Walnuts and red onion add a satisfying bite that contrasts nicely with tender pasta and creamy cheese.
Easy to Prepare Ahead: It keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better after the flavors meld.

The image shows a bowl of pasta salad in a white bowl with a festive green and red pattern on the edges, placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: the bottom layer is made of short, shaped pasta pieces in light beige and pale green colors with intricate designs. The middle layer consists of diced orange sweet potatoes and cubes of light beige cheese, interspersed with bright red apple chunks and small pieces of purple onion. The top layer is made of fresh green arugula leaves scattered across, along with small dark dried cranberries. The textures vary from smooth pasta and cheese to crisp apple and leafy greens, all combined in a bright, colorful arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad is a harmony of fresh and pantry staples that play off each other beautifully. Choosing the right type of pasta and fresh produce can make a big difference in the final dish.

Flat lay of diced roasted sweet potatoes with a light dusting of cinnamon, a small pile of colorful Christmas-shaped pasta, diced Honeycrisp apple, white cheddar cheese cubed into perfect squares, a small heap of dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, finely diced red onion, two handfuls of fresh baby arugula leaves, and four small white ceramic bowls each containing olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and golden maple syrup, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sweet Potatoes: Roasting them with cinnamon brings out their natural sweetness and adds a comforting spice note.
Pasta (Christmas Shapes): I love using festive-shaped pasta because it amps up the fun and holiday mood, but small shapes like shells or rotini work great too.
Honeycrisp Apple: This apple is crisp and sweet-tart, which adds a refreshing crunch and bright flavor that balances the richness.
White Cheddar Cheese: Cubed cheddar adds a creamy, tangy element; sharpness here really enhances the salad’s depth.
Dried Cranberries: Their chewy sweetness pairs with the tart dressing perfectly.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring warmth and a toasty crunch that’s essential to the texture mix.
Red Onion: Just a small amount, finely diced, so it adds a mild bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Baby Arugula: Peppery greens add freshness and a slight bite to keep things lively.
Dressing Ingredients: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, maple syrup, and salt combine for a tangy and sweet vinaigrette that ties it all together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things is tweaking this salad depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Maybe you want it more savory or a little sweeter—go for it! It’s super flexible and forgiving.

Variation: I sometimes swap walnuts for pecans for a slightly sweeter crunch, and it’s always a hit with guests.
Vegan option: Leave out the cheddar and use a plant-based cheese or add avocado chunks instead for creaminess.
Extra zest: Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to brighten the flavors if you prefer a herby kick.
Seasonal swaps: In the fall, I like to add roasted Brussels sprouts or pumpkin seeds to deepen the autumn vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes Just Right

Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a sheet pan with non-stick spray. Dice the sweet potatoes into roughly bite-sized cubes, toss them with cinnamon, and spread them evenly on the pan. Roast for about 35 minutes until tender and just starting to caramelize. Let them cool completely—this step is key because hot sweet potatoes can make your salad soggy.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes roast, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop cooking. Then whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, maple syrup, and salt until emulsified. This dressing is where the magic starts—taste it and adjust sweetness or acidity to your liking.

Step 3: Build the Salad and Toss

In a large bowl, combine cooled sweet potatoes, pasta, diced Honeycrisp apple, cubed white cheddar, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, finely diced red onion, and arugula. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until well coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes—they should stay intact and slightly firm.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, or cover and chill for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld even more beautifully. This salad can be made ahead which makes it my go-to for busy holiday meals.

Top Tip

After trying this recipe several times, I learned a few important tricks that really make a difference—especially if you want to impress guests or just make your weeknight meal feel festive!

Roast Potatoes Evenly: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook through at the same time and don’t dry out.
Cool Completely Before Tossing: Mixing warm ingredients with fresh greens and cheese can cause wilting; patience here preserves texture.
Adjust Dressing to Taste: Some batches might need a little extra maple syrup or vinegar depending on your ingredients—trust your palate!
Don’t Overmix: Toss gently to keep the salad looking fresh and keep the sweet potatoes from turning mushy.

How to Serve Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe

Festive Sweet Potato Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts and some fresh arugula leaves on top just before serving—they make the salad pop visually and add fresh texture. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper or extra drizzle of balsamic glaze finishes it off beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad loves good company—think roasted turkey or glazed ham for a holiday spread, or pair it with grilled chicken or veggie burgers for a more everyday dinner. Light sides like crusty bread or a simple green salad balance it out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in festive bowls or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for an extra holiday touch. Layering it in a clear glass trifle dish shows off the beautiful colors and makes any table setting instantly cheerful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 2-3 days. The salad holds up well, though the apples may soften slightly — which I actually don’t mind one bit.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh ingredients and dressing don’t freeze well and can get watery or lose texture when thawed. Best to enjoy fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy this salad warm, I’d suggest removing a portion and heating just the pasta and sweet potatoes gently in a pan or microwave, then tossing them with the fresh salad and dressing after warming. This keeps the salad vibrant and prevents wilted greens.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad?

Absolutely! While white cheddar gives a nice sharpness, you can swap it out for feta, goat cheese, or even a mild mozzarella depending on your taste and dietary preferences.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Make sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness, or toss lightly and add some extra arugula before eating.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Definitely! Use any gluten-free pasta you like, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the pasta packaging to be sure.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing texture?

Warm up just the pasta and sweet potatoes separately, gently in a pan or microwave, then toss with fresh salad elements like arugula and apple just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe has become a staple in my holiday and weeknight recipe arsenal because it just works every time. It’s cheerful, comforting, and unexpectedly delightful. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do—consider it your new secret weapon for impressing guests or adding a little spark to your meal rotation.