Name: Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes 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 magical about combining sweet and savory flavors with a touch of festive cheer — that’s exactly why I adore this Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It's colorful, flavorful, and just the kind of dish that brightens up any holiday table.

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 Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this salad feels like a holiday party on your plate! I’m always excited to bring it out because it combines my favorite seasonal ingredients with comforting pasta, and trust me, people never leave leftovers.

Festive Flavors: The roasted sweet potatoes and cinnamon bring cozy warmth that’s perfect for Christmas vibes.
Crunch and Sweetness: With tart dried cranberries, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts, every bite is a flavor surprise.
Easy to Make Ahead: It keeps well and can be made a few hours or even a day in advance, making party planning easier.
Versatile and Colorful: The mix of red onions, arugula, and cheddar cheese adds vibrant colors and textures that impress guests.

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

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The sweet potatoes add earthiness and a cozy feel, while the apple and cranberries bring needed tartness. Plus, the pasta shapes make it feel just a little more special!

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 caramelizes their natural sugars and softens them perfectly without falling apart.
Cinnamon: A pinch enhances the warmth of the sweet potatoes without overwhelming the dish.
Christmas Shaped Pasta: Fun and festive—plus its texture stands up well in the salad.
Honey Crisp Apple: Adds a fresh crunch and sweetness that brightens the whole salad.
White Cheddar Cheese: Cubed for bite-sized cheesy goodness, it balances sweet and savory beautifully.
Dried Cranberries: Their tartness cuts through the richness and adds festive color.
Walnuts: Give a pleasant crunch and a hint of earthiness that works with everything else.
Red Onion: Just a little finely diced for a sharp bite without overpowering.
Baby Arugula: Peppery greens that add freshness and keep the salad light.
Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: Classic combo that makes the dressing tangy and rich.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle kick and emulsifies the dressing.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dressing savory depth.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that ties all the flavors together.
Salt: Essential to bring out all the other flavors.

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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 like to play around a bit with this salad depending on what’s in season or what guests prefer. It’s a recipe that really welcomes your personal touch without losing its festive charm.

Variation: Sometimes I swap walnuts for pecans or almonds when I have them on hand—each gives a unique nutty flavor.
Vegetarian Version: This salad is naturally vegetarian and delicious as-is, but you can sprinkle on some crispy chickpeas for extra protein.
Seasonal Twist: Adding pomegranate seeds makes it even more colorful and festive.
Make It Vegan: Replace white cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it for a great dairy-free option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes and toss them with cinnamon. Spread them evenly on a sheet pan lined with non-stick spray. Roast for about 35 minutes until they’re tender with some golden caramelized edges. This step brings out a lovely depth of sweetness that makes the salad unforgettable. Be patient here — don't rush roasting or the potatoes won’t develop that cozy roasted flavor.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

While the potatoes roast, cook your Christmas-shaped pasta according to package directions. I find al dente works best so the pasta holds up nicely when mixed. Drain it well and let it cool fully to avoid sogginess later. I often spread it on a baking sheet to cool evenly and quickly.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, maple syrup, and salt until combined. This dressing perfectly balances tang, sweetness, and savory notes that complement the salad components brilliantly. Taste and adjust — sometimes I add a touch more maple syrup if I want it sweeter.

Step 4: Mix All Ingredients Gently

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, cubed cheddar, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, finely diced red onion, and baby arugula. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly — careful not to mash the potatoes or bruise the arugula. This final step is all about bringing those seasonal flavors together with care.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled if you prefer a cooler option. Either way, prepare for some happy faces at your holiday table!

Top Tip

From my experience making this salad many times, there are a few key things to keep in mind that truly elevate the dish and keep it from becoming a soggy mess.

Roast Potatoes Evenly: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook consistently and caramelize perfectly.
Cool Ingredients Thoroughly: Make sure the pasta and potatoes are completely cooled before mixing, which prevents wilting and mushiness.
Balance Dressing Flavors: Taste your dressing as you go—adjust the maple syrup or vinegar to keep it from being too tangy or sweet.
Gentle Tossing: Use a large bowl and fold gently to maintain the texture of all components especially the delicate arugula and roasted sweet potatoes.

How to Serve Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Christmas Pasta Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top the finished salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts and a few fresh arugula leaves for color and crunch. Sometimes, pomegranate seeds make a stunning, jewel-like garnish that adds fresh bursts of tartness. It’s those little flourishes that make your dish stand out.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roast turkey or ham, and I love serving it alongside warm crusty bread or savory stuffed mushrooms. It adds a fresh and festive touch to heavier mains so your meal feels balanced and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve this salad in a large festive bowl with twinkling lights nearby. You can also make individual mason jar servings layered with the salad ingredients for portable party treats or gifts. Using a clear glass bowl really shows off the vibrant colors to dazzle your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors marry beautifully overnight, but the arugula may wilt slightly—adding fresh greens when serving helps keep it lively.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh ingredients, like apples and arugula, don’t hold up well. Plus, the dressing can separate after thawing, which affects texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad really shines cold or at room temperature. I prefer to avoid reheating it since the fresh, crisp elements lose their charm when warm. If you want to serve it slightly warmer, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While Christmas-shaped pasta adds a festive touch, any short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or penne works just fine. The key is choosing a pasta that holds the dressing well and doesn’t become mushy.

How far in advance can I make this Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe?

You can make the salad up to a day in advance. Store it tightly covered in the fridge, and add fresh arugula just before serving to keep things bright and fresh. The flavors actually improve after resting for a few hours.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! To make this Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe vegan, simply swap out the cheddar cheese for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. Make sure your pasta is egg-free and use a maple syrup-based dressing to keep it vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy salad?

The key is to cool all components properly before combining, especially the pasta and roasted sweet potatoes. Toss the salad gently and serve soon after mixing. If making ahead, wait to add the arugula until just before serving to keep it crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Pasta Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe has become a holiday favorite in my circle because it blends festive flavors with ease and makes every celebration feel a bit more special. Whether you’re bringing it to a party or serving it at home, I’m confident you’ll love the vibrant colors, textures, and seasonal goodness as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find your new holiday tradition right here!