Winter Pasta Salad

This 30-minute winter pasta salad is packed with hearty kale, sweet dried cherries, salty feta, and crunchy pumpkin seeds tossed in a creamy poppyseed dressing. It’s an easy make-ahead pasta salad that feels cozy enough for winter but fresh enough for any gathering.

Easy Winter Pasta Salad Recipe

• I am OBSESSED with this pasta salad. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. Every bite is layered with flavor and texture in the best possible way.
• Pasta salad isn’t just for summer anymore! Real talk, I make pasta salads all year round – most frequently my kale Caesar pasta salad – but I wanted to make one that had a distinctly winter feel. Something cozy and fresh that you could make all year round, but you definitely want to make once it starts getting cooler.
• The dressing doesn’t have any mayonnaise! Half and half does the trick adding fat/flavor and making it super creamy without using mayo.

Ingredients for Winter Pasta Salad

• Fun-Shaped Pasta: The base of the salad. Choose something with lots of ridges or curves to catch the creamy dressing. I really like trottole (pictured in this recipe), rotini, penne, or farfalle.
• Kale: Adds hearty texture and makes this feel seasonal and substantial. You can substitute baby spinach or arugula for a more tender green, but skip the massaging step – those greens will wilt much more quickly than kale and don’t need as much extra love to get tender.
• Feta Cheese: Brings salty, creamy balance to the sweet cherries. Goat cheese works beautifully as a substitute.
• Dried Cherries: Add chewy sweetness and a pop of color. Dried cranberries work too.
• Roasted Salted Pumpkin Seeds: For crunch and savory depth. Sunflower seeds, pistachios, or chopped almonds can be used instead.

Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

• Olive Oil: Forms the rich base of the dressing. Avocado oil can be substituted.
• Half And Half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy. Use heavy cream for a richer dressing or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier option.
• Champagne Vinegar: Brings brightness and acidity. White wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar works well.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle depth of flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Garlic: Freshly grated adds bold flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the acidity. Honey or maple syrup can be substituted.
• Poppyseeds: Add texture and classic flavor to the dressing.

Crispy Topping

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Toasted for a light, crispy finish. You can use regular breadcrumbs as well.
• Pistachios: Add buttery crunch and delicious flavor. Pecans or walnuts would also be delicious.
• Olive Oil: Helps the topping toast evenly.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth of flavor to the crunchy topping. Onion powder would be delicious, also.

How to Make Winter Pasta Salad

COOK THE PASTA. Boil pasta in generously salted water until just al dente. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and let cool to room temperature.

MAKE THE DRESSING. Combine olive oil, half and half, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, sugar, poppyseeds, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning.

MASSAGE THE KALE. Add chopped kale to a large bowl, drizzle with a few tablespoons of dressing, and massage gently. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften.

MAKE THE CRISPY TOPPING. Add panko, pistachios, salt, and pepper to a skillet over medium-low heat. Drizzle with olive oil and toast until golden brown. Stir in garlic powder and transfer to a plate to cool.

DRESS & THE SALAD. Add cooled pasta, feta, dried cherries, and pumpkin seeds to the kale. Toss with about half of the remaining dressing and refrigerate for at least an hour.

SERVE & ENJOY. Toss with the remaining dressing and sprinkle generously with the crispy topping just before serving.

Tips for Making Winter Pasta Salad

• Add more sugar if you like! I like a pretty tangy, acidic dressing, but you could add more to get that more classic sweet poppyseed dressing.
• Salt your pasta water well! I like to add about 2 tablespoons of Kosher salt to the boiling water before I add the pasta.
• Wait to add the crispy topping right before serving to keep it crunchy!

Make-Ahead Instructions

• This salad is perfect for making ahead – just like most pasta salads!
• Prepare this winter pasta salad up to 24 hours in advance – including the crispy topping.
• Store the topping separately in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Add just half the dressing initially, then right before serving, toss the salad with the remaining dressing and top with the crispy topping.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If it seems dry, add a splash of half and half or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• apple cider braised pulled pork
• creamy tomato basil soup
• brothy white beans and kale
• Mediterranean flatbread pizza
• creamy beer cheese soup

Try these easy pasta salad recipes next!