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+ servings
Eyeball Pasta Salad

Spooky Eyeball Pasta Salad for a Fun Halloween Feast

This Eyeball Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fun twist on traditional salads, perfect for Halloween gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 200 g Rotini or Fusilli Substitute with gluten-free pasta if desired
For the Eyeballs
  • 150 g Mini Mozzarella Balls Can swap in mozzarella pearls if mini balls are unavailable
  • 1 Black Olive Sliced into rounds
For the Vegetables
  • 150 g Cherry Tomatoes Sliced in half
  • 1 Cucumber Diced
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Diced
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper Diced
For the Dressing
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil Avocado oil is a substitute
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar Red wine vinegar is a suitable alternative
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Can use individual herbs if desired
  • Salt and Pepper To taste
For Garnish
  • 20 g Fresh Basil Chopped

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • cutting board
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add 200 grams of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Strain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process, ensuring it’s cool and prevents sticking.
  2. While the pasta is cooling, take 150 grams of mini mozzarella balls and slice one black olive into rounds. Carefully place the olive slices on top of each mozzarella ball to create adorable 'eyeballs.' Set them aside on a plate.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives. Gently mix these colorful vegetables to distribute them evenly.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing everything gently.
  5. Carefully place the mozzarella eyeballs atop the mixed salad and sprinkle 20 grams of chopped fresh basil over the salad.
  6. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Add fresh basil just before serving to keep its vibrant color and flavor intact.

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