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 truly magical about the cozy sweetness and vibrant colors in this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic pasta salad, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a dish that’s both comforting and exciting on your plate.

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 first made this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe during the holidays, and it quickly became a favorite at our table. It captures sweet, savory, tangy, and fresh flavors all in one bowl, and trust me — everyone will ask for the recipe.

Vibrant and Seasonal: The roasted sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon bring warm, festive flavors that scream holiday charm.
Fun Textures: From juicy apples to crunchy walnuts and chewy cranberries, every bite surprises your palate.
Beautiful & Inviting: The colorful Christmas-shaped pasta adds a playful touch that’s perfect for family dinners or parties.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep most parts in advance, so it's a stress-free addition to your holiday feast.

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 recipe is all about balance — sweet meets tangy, crunchy meets tender, and fresh greens bring it all together. When you pick ingredients, try to find the freshest produce for that vibrant flavor.

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 really enhances their natural sweetness and adds that cozy seasonal note.
Christmas Shaped Pasta: It’s both festive and fun; if you can’t find shapes, small shell or bowtie pasta works beautifully.
Honeycrisp Apple: Adds a crisp, sweet-tart bite that keeps the salad refreshing.
White Cheddar Cheese: Cubed for creamy, sharp contrast — it’s a flavor punch you’ll want!
Dried Cranberries: Their chewy tartness pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes and apples.
Chopped Walnuts: Toast them lightly if you like, for extra depth and crunch.
Red Onion: Finely diced to avoid overpowering but to add subtle zest.
Baby Arugula: Peppery greens lighten the dish and add freshness.
Dressing Ingredients: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, maple syrup, and salt combine for a sweet-savory tang that coats every ingredient lovingly.

📝

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

This Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe is pretty forgiving — I encourage you to tweak it as you like! I often swap walnuts for pecans, or add some diced pears for an extra fruity twist.

Variation: Adding crumbled goat cheese instead of cheddar gives it a tangier profile that my family adores.
For Vegan Options: Try vegan cheese and swap the honey maple dressing for a pure maple and mustard vinaigrette.
Seasonal Substitutions: In fall, try roasted butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes for a slightly different, yet equally delightful flavor.

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

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with non-stick spray. Peel and dice two medium sweet potatoes into bite-size cubes, then toss them with a teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread them evenly on the pan so they roast evenly. Roast for about 35 minutes, flipping once halfway, until tender and caramelized on the edges. Let them cool completely — this step brings out the cozy sweetness that makes the salad sing.

Step 2: Cook and Cool The Pasta

While the potatoes roast, cook 8 ounces of your festive Christmas-shaped pasta according to package instructions. Don’t overcook — al dente gives the best texture here. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk ⅓ cup olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon salt. This dressing is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, so taste as you go if you want it sweeter or tangier.

Step 4: Combine All Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the cooled sweet potatoes and pasta with 1 diced Honeycrisp apple, 6 oz cubed white cheddar cheese, ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup chopped walnuts, ½ finely diced small red onion, and two handfuls of baby arugula. Pour the dressing on top and gently mix everything until the dressing lightly coats every delicious bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

This salad is best served immediately, but it’s also wonderful chilled a few hours later. The flavors have time to meld, making it even more festive and satisfying.

Top Tip

After making this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe several times, I’ve found a few tricks that really boost the flavors and texture:

Perfect Roasting: Don’t skip tossing the sweet potatoes with cinnamon before roasting — it adds a warming depth you won’t want to miss.
Cooling Pasta Thoroughly: Rinsing pasta under cold water stops it from cooking further and keeps it firm for the salad.
Dressing Balance: Taste the dressing before adding — small adjustments in maple syrup or vinegar can really personalize the flavor.
Gentle Tossing: Mix the salad gently after adding dressing so the arugula doesn’t bruise and the cheese cubes keep their shape.

How to Serve Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe

Festive Sweet Potato Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra chopped walnuts or a few fresh arugula leaves on top right before serving — it adds that crunch and freshness that brings it all together visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or even a simple lentil stew if you’re going vegetarian. It’s also fantastic alongside a warm baguette or crusty bread to mop up the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, try serving the salad layered in clear glass bowls so the colors pop. Or, assemble individual portions in small festive cups or jars for a charming single-serve presentation — it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within 2 days. The salad holds up well, though the dressing soaks in more, making it even more flavorful. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best fresh or refrigerated — freezing isn’t ideal because the textures of pasta and sweet potatoes can get mushy. I recommend making it fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm salad, gently reheat leftovers in a microwave or skillet just until warmed through, but I really enjoy it cold or at room temperature. The flavors really shine this way!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While white cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor, you can substitute with goat cheese, feta, or even mozzarella depending on your preference and dietary needs. Each will change the flavor profile slightly but remain delicious.

Is it okay to prepare this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the pasta a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and toss everything together with dressing right before serving for the freshest taste and vibrant texture.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Use vegan cheese or omit cheese altogether, and swap the maple syrup or honey in the dressing for pure maple syrup to keep it fully vegan and still wonderfully flavorful.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

I love using festive Christmas-shaped pasta for that holiday cheer, but small shells, bowtie (farfalle), or rotini work just as well. The key is choosing something that holds dressing well and complements the other chunky ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it perfectly meshes comfort food with holiday spirit. It’s straightforward enough to make any day special and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your festive gatherings. Give it a try, and I promise, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your recipe box, too!