Go Back
+ servings
Eyeball Pasta Salad

Spooky Eyeball Pasta Salad for a Fun Halloween Feast

Eyeball Pasta Salad is a thrilling Halloween dish that captivates kids and adults alike with spooky mozzarella eyeballs and vibrant veggies.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 200 g rotini or fusilli pasta can substitute with gluten-free pasta
For the Eyeballs
  • 150 g mini mozzarella balls bocconcini or vegan cheese balls are great alternatives
  • 1 whole black olive sliced into rounds
For the Veggie Medley
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes or you can opt for grape tomatoes instead
  • 1 whole cucumber diced, can be swapped for bell peppers
  • 1 whole red bell pepper diced; any bell pepper variety works well
  • 1 whole yellow bell pepper diced; any bell pepper variety works well
  • 50 g black olives sliced; omit if you want to cut back on sodium
  • 50 g green olives sliced; omit if you want to cut back on sodium
  • fresh basil leaves chopped, parsley can substitute
For the Dressing
  • 3 tbsp olive oil avocado oil works as a suitable substitute
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar white wine vinegar can be a good alternative
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning use single herbs like oregano or thyme if needed
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • Spoon

Method
 

Cooking and Preparation
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt, then toss in 200g of rotini or fusilli pasta. Cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta is cooling, take 150g of mini mozzarella balls and carefully slice a small round of black olive for each. Gently press the olive slice into the center of each mozzarella ball to create the 'pupil' of the eyeball.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and diced red and yellow bell peppers. Toss in sliced black and green olives for added flavor.
  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 the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated. Use a large spoon to gently fold the dressing into the salad.
  6. To finish your spooky creation, arrange the mozzarella eyeballs on top of the salad. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salad.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 9gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Ensure you rinse the pasta well and allow the salad to chill for enhanced flavors. Use various colorful vegetables for a stunning presentation.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!