A harvest-inspired salad that tastes like a stroll through the orchard.

There’s something magical about autumn afternoons in an orchard- the crisp air, baskets filled with pears, and the golden scent of maple drifting through the trees. This Sweet Maple Orchard Pasta Salad brings that same feeling straight to your table. With caramelized pears, crunchy candied pecans, and a maple brown butter dressing that tastes like it was made for fall, every bite feels like a harvest picnic under the trees.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Caramelized pears add a touch of fall sweetness
• Candied pecans bring crunch and flavor
• Maple brown butter dressing makes it irresistibly autumn
• Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy
• A harvest-inspired pasta salad that feels like a fall orchard picnic

Ingredient Notes

• Pasta- Farfalle (bowties) or orecchiette both hold the dressing beautifully, but any short pasta works.
• Pears- Choose firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou so they caramelize without turning mushy. The sweet, spiced pears are what give this salad its orchard charm.
• Candied Pecans- Store-bought keep things simple, but homemade adds a personal touch. Their crunch balances the creamy cheese and tender pasta.
• Cheese- Feta gives a tangy bite, while goat cheese makes it creamier and more earthy. Either one pairs perfectly with pears and maple.
• Dried Figs- They add a chewy, honey-like sweetness that makes the salad feel rich and autumnal.
• Greens-  Baby arugula adds a peppery kick, while spinach keeps it mild and versatile. Both give the salad freshness.
• Pomegranate Arils (Optional)- A pop of color and tart-sweet flavor that ties everything back to that orchard harvest vibe.
• Maple Brown Butter Dressing- The golden, nutty butter mixed with maple syrup creates the warm, cozy flavor that pulls the whole dish together

Before You Make

Can this pasta salad be served warm or cold?
It’s delicious either way! Serve it slightly warm for a cozy dinner or chilled for a refreshing side dish.

How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the greens separate if you want them to stay crisp.

What can I use instead of figs?
Dried cranberries, cherries, or even golden raisins all work as a sweet, chewy swap.

Can I make this salad vegetarian-friendly?
It already is vegetarian—just make sure your cheese is vegetarian-approved (some feta and goat cheeses are).

Is this pasta salad good for holiday gatherings?
Absolutely! The pears, pecans, and maple dressing make it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall feast.

Sweet Maple Orchard Pasta Salad

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup candied pecans
• ½ cup feta or goat cheese
• ½ cup dried figs, chopped
• 2 cups baby arugula or spinach
• Optional: pomegranate arils

Maple brown butter dressing

• 3 tbsp salted butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1.  Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add pears, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook 5–7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Cool slightly.
3. In a saucepan, cook the butter until golden and nutty, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the maple syrup, vinegar, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, pears, pecans, cheese, figs, and greens. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Garnish with pomegranate arils, if using. Serve warm or chilled.

FAQ

Can this pasta salad be served warm or cold?
It’s delicious either way! Serve it slightly warm for a cozy dinner or chilled for a refreshing side dish.

How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the greens separate if you want them to stay crisp.

What can I use instead of figs?
Dried cranberries, cherries, or even golden raisins all work as a sweet, chewy swap.

Can I make this salad vegetarian-friendly?
It already is vegetarian—just make sure your cheese is vegetarian-approved (some feta and goat cheeses are).

Is this pasta salad good for holiday gatherings?
Absolutely! The pears, pecans, and maple dressing make it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall feast.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn dinner into a little orchard outing: serve this salad alongside chilled apple cider in mason jars, scatter a few colorful leaves or mini pumpkins on the table, and play some soft acoustic fall tunes. Close your eyes for a moment between bites, and it’ll feel like you’re sharing a picnic right in the middle of an orchard.