This spooky Halloween Eyeball Pasta Salad is a fun and creepy dish! With pasta shaped like eyeballs, olives for pupils, and a mix of fresh veggies, it’s perfect for your Halloween party.
Your friends will love the surprise when they see the eyeball pasta. Just be ready for some giggles as they dig in! It’s super easy to whip up, and I enjoy serving it chilled for a refreshingly weird twist!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color Rotini Pasta: This colorful pasta makes the dish visually fun! You can also use any pasta shape like fusilli, penne, or even regular spaghetti. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta work too!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the salad. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. You can use a vegan mayo for dairy-free needs as well.
Ketchup or Pasta Sauce: I prefer ketchup for that sweet touch, but if you’d like a more savory flavor, go for marinara or a creamy tomato sauce. You can also add hot sauce for a kick!
Edamame: This adds texture and a pop of green! You could swap it for peas or chopped green bell peppers if you’re in the mood for something different.
Guacamole: This gives a yummy, creamy element. If you want to simplify, a little bit of diced avocado works well too. Alternatively, store-bought guacamole is always an easy option.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: Using these for “eyeballs” is fun! You can replace them with diced cheese or even cherry tomatoes if you want to change things up.
Black Olives: These create the monster pupils! If olives aren’t your thing, you could use sliced grapes or even raisins for something sweeter!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Has the Right Texture?
The texture of the pasta salad is key! Here’s how you can nail it:
- Cook pasta just until it’s al dente—this means it’ll still have a little bite to it. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
- After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down, preventing clumping.
- Let the pasta cool completely before mixing with the sauce. This helps preserve its texture.
- When folding in ingredients like edamame and guacamole, be gentle. You want to avoid mashing them!
Follow these tips, and your pasta salad will have a great texture everyone will enjoy!
Halloween Eyeball Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup ketchup or pasta sauce (for pink color)
- 1 cup shelled edamame (green soybeans)
- 1 cup guacamole or avocado chunks
For the Eyeballs:
- 12 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 12 black olives (for eyeball pupils), pitted and sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, you should plan for about 50 minutes total from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it’ll still be a little firm to the bite. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ketchup (or your choice of pasta sauce). Stir well until it’s all mixed up and you have a beautiful pink creamy dressing.
3. Combine Pasta with Dressing:
Add the cooled pasta to the pink dressing, and give it a good toss so that all the pasta gets nicely coated with the dressing.
4. Add Veggies:
Gently fold in the shelled edamame and guacamole (or avocado chunks) into the pasta mixture. Be nice and gentle to keep the chunks intact!
5. Create the Eyeballs:
Next, for the spooky part! Take each small mozzarella ball and top it with a slice of black olive to mimic an eyeball pupil. These creepy ‘eyeballs’ will look great on your salad!
6. Assemble the Salad:
Place the mozzarella eyeballs decoratively on top of the pasta salad. Scatter a few additional black olive slices throughout the salad for extra spookiness!
7. Season and Chill:
Season the salad with some salt and pepper to your taste. Give it another gentle toss if you’d like. Then, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together and makes it refreshing to serve.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge and enjoy this spooky, fun Halloween appetizer with friends and family!
Can I Use Regular Pasta Instead of Tri-Color Rotini?
Yes, you can absolutely use regular pasta! Any type you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti, will work well in the recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegetarian, simply ensure that the mayonnaise used is egg-free, or use a vegan mayo. For a fully vegan version, substitute the mozzarella balls with a dairy-free cheese or omit them entirely. The salad will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Pasta Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead! Just prepare it as instructed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Give it a gentle stir before serving, and you can even add a little extra seasoning or fresh avocado to brighten it up!
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before enjoying again, as the dressing might settle a bit.
