Name: Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, diced and roasted; 1 tsp cinnamon; 8 oz cooked Christmas-shaped pasta; 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 vibrant colors and cozy flavors of this dish that makes it stand out on any holiday table. I’m excited to share my Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe with you — it combines sweet, savory, and tangy notes all in one bowl, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cheerful weeknight meal.

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

This pasta salad has quickly become one of my go-to festive dishes because it balances unexpected flavors that still feel familiar. You get that natural sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes and apples, a little tang from the balsamic dressing, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts and dried cranberries. Every bite feels like a celebration!

Sweet & Savory Harmony: Roasted cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes pair magically with sharp white cheddar and tart cranberries.
Festive Presentation: Christmas-shaped pasta adds a playful, seasonal touch that never fails to spark smiles.
Easy & Make-Ahead Friendly: You can roast and prep everything in advance, then toss it all together just before serving for quick assembly.
Customizable & Versatile: The ingredients and dressing let you swap in your favorites or whatever you have on hand.

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

Each ingredient in the Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe plays a key role — from texture to flavor to color. I find that combining sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements keeps the salad interesting and satisfying.

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: Roasted with cinnamon to bring out their natural sweetness and add a warming note that feels like a gentle hug for your taste buds.
Pasta (Christmas Shapes): Beyond the fun shape, pasta provides a neutral but slightly chewy base that balances the salad nicely.
Honey Crisp Apple: Crisp and juicy, this adds freshness and a light tartness that cuts through the richness of cheese and nuts.
White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy, the cubes add a delightful bite and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess juxtaposed with crunchy ingredients.
Dried Cranberries: Little bursts of tart sweetness that complement the other flavors and make the salad visually festive with their deep red color.
Walnuts: Their crunch and slightly bitter undertone add depth and play off the sweet potatoes wonderfully.
Red Onion: Finely diced for a bit of zing without overpowering the other ingredients.
Baby Arugula: Peppery greens add freshness and a slight bite, brightening the whole salad.
Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: The dressing brings richness and acidity that ties all the flavors together in a harmonious way.
Dijon Mustard & Maple Syrup: These elevate the dressing, adding subtle spice and gentle sweetness for balance.
Garlic: A little minced garlic adds warmth and an umami punch that lifts the entire salad.

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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

I love how adaptable this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe is—you can easily swap or add ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or any dietary preferences you follow. It’s your salad, so make it your own!

Variation: One year I swapped out walnuts for pecans, and the extra buttery crunch was a total hit with my family. Try toasted pecans if you want a little extra aroma and richness.
Dietary Tweaks: For a dairy-free twist, omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative—just make sure it’s firm enough to cube.
Seasonal Spin: In spring, swap arugula for baby spinach or mixed greens to keep it light and fresh.
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or chickpeas if you want a more substantial salad for lunch or dinner.

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

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes with Warm Cinnamon

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel and dice two sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in a bowl with about a teaspoon of cinnamon—this is what gives the salad that warm, festive aroma. Spread the cubes evenly on a greased baking sheet. Roast them for about 35 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Let them cool completely — this step is crucial so your salad doesn’t get soggy later.

Step 2: Cook the Christmas-Shaped Pasta

While your sweet potatoes are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your festive Christmas-shaped pasta according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

Mix ⅓ cup olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, a minced garlic clove, a tablespoon of maple syrup, and half a teaspoon of salt in a small bowl until well combined. Taste to adjust the balance; I sometimes add a splash more maple syrup if I want it sweeter.

Step 4: Combine All Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, add cooled roasted sweet potatoes, cooked pasta, one diced Honey Crisp apple, 6 ounces of cubed white cheddar cheese, ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup chopped walnuts, finely diced half a small red onion, and two handfuls of baby arugula. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to mash the sweet potatoes or apples—gentle folding works best.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

This salad is delicious served immediately, but letting it sit for 30 minutes helps all the flavors meld beautifully.

Top Tip

I can’t stress enough how much letting the roasted sweet potatoes cool completely before adding them makes a difference in texture. I once mixed them hot straight into the salad and ended up with mushy bits and wilted arugula—definitely not the fresh, crisp salad I wanted!

Cool Sweet Potatoes Thoroughly: Avoid soggy salad by letting the cubes cool on a wire rack after roasting.
Gently Toss: Use a spatula to fold the salad so the chunks stay intact and maintain their texture.
Adjust Dressing to Taste: Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed; the dressing should lightly coat ingredients, not swamp them.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Crisp apples and fresh arugula really elevate the salad, so aim to prep just before serving for peak freshness.

How to Serve Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For my table, I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra whole walnuts on top. A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the salad right before serving adds an inviting aroma and amplifies that cozy feeling. Plus, these garnishes bring out the salad's festive flair visually and in flavor.

Side Dishes

I often pair this salad with simple roast chicken or a honey-glazed ham for holiday dinners. It’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread and a green vegetable like sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged the pasta salad in a festive ring mold on a holiday platter, then adorned the top with pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic a Christmas wreath. It was a show-stopper and a great way to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the salad stays fresh for about 2-3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, but I recommend adding any fresh greens right before serving if you want to maintain their brightness and crunch.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this salad because fresh ingredients like apples and arugula don’t respond well to freezing. Plus, the texture of the roasted sweet potatoes changes after thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I usually just let leftovers sit out for 20 minutes before serving rather than reheating. If you want to warm up the sweet potatoes separately, do that gently in the oven, then mix back in cooled ingredients to keep everything balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta in the Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While I love the Christmas-shaped pasta for its festive feel, any small pasta shape like rotini, shells, or bowties works beautifully and holds the dressing well.

Is this salad suitable for make-ahead entertaining?

Definitely. You can roast sweet potatoes and cook pasta a day ahead, then store them separately in the fridge. Combine everything and dress the salad just before serving to ensure freshness and maintain texture.

Can I substitute a different cheese if I don’t have white cheddar?

Yes! Sharp cheddar has a distinctive flavor, but feel free to use gouda, feta, or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Just keep the cheese in cubes for easy mixing.

What’s the key to preventing the salad from becoming soggy?

The biggest tip is to let the roasted sweet potatoes cool completely and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking. Also, add the dressing just before serving or toss lightly if storing for later to keep textures intact.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe feels like passing along a little kitchen magic that makes the holidays extra special. It’s a dish that brings warmth and color to the table without fuss, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Be sure to try it out at your next gathering—you might just find it becoming a family favorite too.