Autumn Pasta Salad

SERVES: 6

COOK TIME: 15 Min

Pasta salad isn't just for summer -- it's perfect for fall, too! Tonight, for a novel autumn meal, why not try this hearty Autumn Pasta Salad filled with rotisserie chicken, apples, and pears?

What You'll Need

1 (8-ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 cup chopped cooked rotisserie chicken
1 cup chopped apples
1 cup chopped pears
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped candied walnuts
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt

What to Do

In a medium pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta to desired doneness; drain well and cool. (Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well.)
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, the chicken, apples, pears, cranberries, celery, and candied walnuts; mix well.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, maple syrup, vinegar, and salt; blend well. Pour mayonnaise mixture over pasta mixture; toss lightly then serve immediately.

Mr.Food Test Kitchen Tip!

If you're not serving this salad immediately, you may want to wait to add the pears and walnuts just before serving, so they stay nice 'n' crunchy. You can also add an additional 1/4 cup mayonnaise to moisten the salad just before serving.
For more fantastic deli salads, make our "No Bake" Baked Potato Salad or our "Grate" Carrot Salad!
Want more special autumn recipes? Make our Apple Glazed Chicken, or our Autumn Corn Pudding. Plus, for dessert, make our Autumn Pumpkin Dump Cake!

Up Next:

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Nutritional InformationShow More

Servings Per Recipe: 6

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Calories 452
Calories from Fat 178
Total Fat 20g 30 %
Saturated Fat 2.2g 11 %
Trans Fat 0.0g 0 %
Protein 12g 24 %

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Cholesterol 31mg 10 %
Sodium 715mg 30 %
Total Carbohydrates 57g 19 %
Dietary Fiber 3.6g 14 %
Sugars 21g 0 %

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thechopette 096705 8

Oct 17, 2019

I know I am being picky, but the recipe calls for elbow macaroni. If you look at the picture, it is not elbow macaroni that was used. Cavatappi was used. Cavatappi is spiral and has a ridged texture to allow the pasta to hold onto more sauces/dressings. You can clearly see the spirals and ridges in the picture.

drowdrizz 4260708

Oct 30, 2017

I made it without the chicken for a wedding and it turned out great. I also tried it with pecans and raisins still great.

pattifosler 263498 8

Nov 16, 2016

very good recipe wont let me share it to FB !

pam2004c 8283712

Oct 24, 2016

THIS IS THE BEST SALAD EVER!!! THE DRESSING IS OUTSTANDING. YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS OR YOU WILL REALLY MISS OUT!!!

celynchjr 2334416

Sep 21, 2016

I want to share these on Facebook, but there is no way provided to do it! (

Test Kitchen Team

Sep 22, 2016

Hi there! If you look to the right of the ingredient list of this recipe, you'll see that there are different social media icons that you can click on. You can share it to Facebook by clicking the "F" logo for Facebook. It is under the headline that says "Share this Recipe." The same option is at the end of the recipe, just after the "Notes" section. Thanks for sharing!

Member 1264318

Nov 11, 2015

made this for a pot luck and it was a big hit, everyone ate it up!

Pegaroo

Sep 25, 2015

Delicious !!

rdoceanfun 2722952

Jan 09, 2013

sounds great Im going to try this for my husband birthday bar B Q

southerncook

Nov 20, 2011

Delicious and so easy. Lots of compliments at church's covered dish lunch.