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–+ servings
Eyeball Pasta Salad

Spooky Eyeball Pasta Salad for a Fun Halloween Feast

Delight in the whimsical Eyeball Pasta Salad, perfect for Halloween with colorful veggies and mozzarella eyeballs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 200 g rotini or fusilli pasta Substitution: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
For the Mozzarella Eyeballs
  • 150 g mini mozzarella balls Try burrata for a creamier alternative.
  • 1 black olive Substitution: Kalamata olives add a stronger flavor.
For the Salad Mixture
  • cherry tomatoes Don’t have cherry tomatoes? Diced regular tomatoes will work, too.
  • 1 cucumber Prep note: Peeling is optional to retain nutrients.
  • 1 red bell pepper Substitution: Yellow or orange bell pepper for a different taste.
  • 1 yellow bell pepper Can be replaced with sweet corn for a twist.
  • 50 g black olives Feel free to omit if you prefer a milder taste.
  • 50 g green olives Enhance flavor and add a delightful saltiness.
For the Dressing
  • 3 tbsp olive oil Can replace with avocado oil for a unique flavor.
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Red wine vinegar makes a great alternative if needed.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Substitution: Dried oregano and thyme work well if you don’t have Italian seasoning.
  • salt and pepper Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
For the Garnish
  • fresh basil Feel free to use parsley for a fresh herb kick.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add 200g of rotini or fusilli pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. While your pasta is cooking, take 150g of mini mozzarella balls and place them on a cutting board. Slice a black olive into rounds, then gently press one olive slice onto each mozzarella ball to create the 'eyeball' effect. These quirky mozzarella eyeballs will add a spooky touch to your Eyeball Pasta Salad. Set the assembled eyeballs aside on a plate.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red and yellow bell peppers. Along with 100g of sliced black and green olives, this colorful mixture makes the perfect base for your Eyeball Pasta Salad. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of colors and textures.
  4. Take a separate bowl and whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be smooth and balanced—taste it to make sure all the flavors meld together beautifully. This flavorful blend will enhance your salad perfectly.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture in the large mixing bowl. With a light hand, toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated and the flavors start to come alive. The Eyeball Pasta Salad should now have a nice shine from the dressing, making it even more appetizing.
  6. Gently place the prepared mozzarella eyeballs on top of the salad, spacing them out for an eerie presentation. This playful touch adds excitement to your Eyeball Pasta Salad, ensuring that your guests will be intrigued. At this stage, you can also sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for added flavor and color.
  7. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, present the Eyeball Pasta Salad chilled, and watch as your friends marvel at this fun and whimsical dish!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente; overcooking can lead to a mushy salad. Use a variety of colorful vegetables for visual appeal and nutritional value.

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