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 cozy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes paired with tangy cranberries and sharp cheddar that instantly lifts your spirits. This Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe is the perfect dish to brighten up any holiday gathering or winter meal with its vibrant colors and comforting flavors.

A close-up view of a colorful pasta salad served in a white bowl with green holly leaf patterns on the rim. The salad has three layers: the bottom layer is shaped pasta in beige, tan, and green colors with pumpkin and tree patterns; the middle layer contains small cubes of orange sweet potato, red apple, and white cheese; the top layer is fresh green arugula leaves scattered throughout, along with small dark red dried cranberries. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few whole red cranberries placed nearby. 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

From the very first time I tossed this salad together for a holiday potluck, I knew it was something special. It’s not just a salad—it’s a celebration on a plate with its mix of textures, flavors, and festive vibes.

Seasonal Flavors: Sweet potatoes and cranberries bring the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it feel like a holiday treat.
Easy to Make: Once your sweet potatoes are roasted and pasta cooked, it’s all about tossing and whisking—super straightforward.
Beautiful Presentation: The colorful mix of apple, cheese, arugula, and nuts makes it a showstopper for guests.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to play with the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad that has about five layers: the bottom layer is shaped pasta in light beige and light green shades with fun designs, the second layer has bright orange roasted sweet potato cubes scattered throughout, the third layer consists of small bright red apple cubes, the fourth layer includes green arugula leaves spread evenly over the salad, and the top layer has small dark red dried cranberries and finely chopped red onion pieces adding texture and contrast; the bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a few bright red fresh cranberries nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe relies on a thoughtful combination of ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each adds its own unique note, turning a simple salad into a comforting, festive masterpiece.

Flat lay of diced roasted sweet potatoes with visible cinnamon dusting, Christmas-shaped cooked pasta pieces in a simple white ceramic bowl, a diced Honey Crisp apple showing red and yellow skin, cubed white cheddar cheese on a white plate, a small heap of dried red cranberries, chopped walnuts scattered neatly, finely diced small red onion, fresh green baby arugula leaves arranged in a small white bowl, a small white bowl holding golden olive oil, another small white bowl with dark balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl containing smooth Dijon mustard, a single peeled garlic clove beside a tiny mound of minced garlic, a small white bowl with amber maple syrup, and a pinch of coarse salt on a white dish, all elements arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed 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 incredible warmth and sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Christmas Shape Pasta: Adding charm and a bit of fun with festive pasta shapes elevates the salad’s appeal.
Honey Crisp Apple: Its crisp texture and natural sweetness provide a refreshing contrast.
White Cheddar Cheese: Cubed for savory sharpness that balances the sweeter elements.
Dried Cranberries: Tart and chewy, these burst with holiday spirit and a bit of tang.
Walnuts: Chopped for crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
Red Onion: Finely diced to add a mild pungency without overpowering the dish.
Baby Arugula: Peppery greens bring freshness and a bit of bite.
Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: Create the base for a zesty, balanced dressing to tie everything together.
Dijon Mustard & Maple Syrup: These add a lovely tang and subtle sweetness for complexity.
Garlic & Salt: Enhance all flavors without stealing the show.

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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 flexible this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to suit your crowd, whether you want to amp up the crunch, swap out ingredients for dietary needs, or add a little extra zing.

Variation: I sometimes swap walnuts for pecans just to mix up the flavor profile, which adds a lovely buttery note each time.
Make It Vegan: Replace the white cheddar with a tasty vegan cheese or omit it altogether and add more nuts for richness.
Add More Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted butternut squash cubes work wonderfully if you want to bulk it up with extra greens.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne in the dressing wakes things up without overwhelming the other flavors.

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

Step 1: Roasting the Sweet Potatoes Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spraying a baking sheet with non-stick spray—this helps prevent sticking without adding extra oil. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-size cubes, then toss them in a bowl with cinnamon. Spreading them evenly on your sheet pan is key so they roast uniformly. Roast for about 35 minutes, turning halfway if you like, until they’re tender and caramelized at the edges. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.

Step 2: Cooking the Pasta and Prepping the Dressing

Cook your Christmas-shaped pasta according to the package instructions—al dente works best to maintain texture. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, minced garlic, maple syrup, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Set this aside to let the flavors marry.

Step 3: Tossing Together the Festive Mix

In a large bowl, combine your cooled roasted sweet potatoes, cooked pasta, diced honey crisp apple, cubed white cheddar, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, finely diced red onion, and fresh baby arugula. Pour over that luscious dressing and give everything a gentle but thorough toss, making sure each bite is bursting with vibrant flavor.

Top Tip

Having made this Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe a few times, I realized that a couple of small tweaks make all the difference in outcome. Here are the top tips that helped it turn out delicious every time I served it.

Let Sweet Potatoes Cool: Adding hot sweet potatoes to the salad wilts the arugula and melts the cheese—wait until they’re fully cooled.
Use Crisp Apples: Honey Crisp apples are my go-to—they keep that fresh crunch even after mixing.
Dressing Balance: Taste your dressing before tossing—sometimes a little extra maple syrup or vinegar can brighten it perfectly.
Roast Evenly: Cut sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces to avoid some being undercooked while others burn.

How to Serve Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe

Sweet Potato Pasta Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often finish my salads with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts and a few fresh arugula leaves for a pop of green. Sometimes, a dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a little shaved white cheddar curls on top brings that final visual and flavor touch that impresses guests.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or even a simple grilled mushroom for a vegetarian option. For holiday spreads, I love serving it alongside crusty artisan bread and a creamy dip to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I like to serve this pasta salad in individual clear glasses or mason jars layered with the colorful ingredients so everyone gets to admire the vibrant layers. It’s a fun way to turn a casual side into a party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After mixing the salad, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. It holds up well for 2-3 days, though the arugula might soften slightly. I usually toss the salad again gently before serving to refresh the flavors.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t the best option due to the fresh components and dressing. The sweet potatoes and pasta can get mushy after thawing, so I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

If you prefer your sweet potatoes warm, you can reheat them separately before assembling the salad. Otherwise, this dish is best served chilled or at room temperature for maximum freshness and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While I love the charm of Christmas-shaped pasta for the festive touch, any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work just fine and hold the dressing well.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

You can store the Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully, though keep in mind the arugula might get a bit softer over time.

Can I prepare any parts of this salad ahead of time?

Definitely! Roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the pasta a day ahead makes assembling super quick. Just keep the dressing separate and add the arugula right before serving to keep it crisp.

What can I substitute for white cheddar cheese?

If you want to swap out white cheddar, try a sharp gouda or a tangy feta for a slightly different flavor profile. For dairy-free options, some vegan cheeses or even nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can work well.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Sweet Potato Pasta Salad Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want to add a little joy and color to the table. It’s approachable, delicious, and carries that Christmas cheer in every bite. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your new holiday classic too!