Eyeball Pasta Salad – Creepy Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Sometimes you just need a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at—and what better way to achieve that than with a creepy pasta salad? It’s perfect for Halloween parties, themed dinners, or just to add a little spooky flair to your culinary repertoire. Trust me! Your guests will feast with wide eyes, both in horror and delight. 🙈
Why Make This Recipe
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pasta salad. Eyeball Pasta Salad combines all the fun of a colorful salad with a creepy twist, making it a memorable dish for any gathering. Plus:
- It’s loaded with fresh veggies—talk about getting your greens in! 🥗
- The mozzarella “eyeballs” are not only adorable but also surprisingly tasty.
- You’ll definitely earn some culinary bragging rights with this unique dish.
It’s time to get your pasta on and create something that’s equal parts cute and creepy!
How to Make Eyeball Pasta Salad – Creepy Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Making this spooky salad is surprisingly easy! Follow these steps and prepare for some serious fun.
Cook the pasta: Prepare 200g of rotini or fusilli pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside in a large bowl.
Make those eyeballs: Grab 150g of mini mozzarella balls and insert a sliced black olive into each one to create the perfect eyeball look. Plop these on top of your pasta like little spooky orbs.
Add the veggies: Toss in the diced cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and both types of olives into your pasta bowl. Mix everything together, and don’t be shy!
Whip up the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour that magic over your salad and give it a good toss to coat all those ingredients.
Finish with basil: Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil leaves for that vibrant pop of color and flavor. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld together.
Serve: Wow your guests with the Eyeball Pasta Salad and watch their jaws drop in both horror and delicious anticipation!
How to Serve Eyeball Pasta Salad – Creepy Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Eyeballs
This dish is perfect for a spooky buffet or as a side dish for your Halloween feast. Serve it in a big, clear bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, and maybe add a few plastic eyes peeking out as a fun garnish. Just be ready for some genuine reactions when people realize what they’re eating!
How to Store Eyeball Pasta Salad – Creepy Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Got leftovers? No problem! Store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for 2-3 days, but keep in mind that the noodles may soak up some of the dressing, so it might not be as saucy on day three. If you want to brighten it up again, just drizzle a little olive oil over it before serving.
Tips to Make Eyeball Pasta Salad – Creepy Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Eyeballs
- For extra flavor, add more Italian seasoning or even a spicy kick with red pepper flakes.
- If you’re feeling extra creepy, label this dish “Eyelobster Salad” at your Halloween shindig. 🎃
- Feel free to swap out veggies according to your preference. Broccoli and carrots can add a crunchy texture.
Variation
Want to switch things up? Try adding some protein like diced grilled chicken or chickpeas. This makes the salad heartier—perfect for a main dish, not just a side!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It actually tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to mingle. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated.
Q: Why can’t I find mini mozzarella balls?
A: No worries! You can cut regular mozzarella into smaller pieces or even use baby bell cheeses as a substitute. Just get creative!
Q: Is there a vegetarian alternative for the black olives?
A: You can easily skip the olives altogether or replace them with capers or diced bell peppers for a different flavor. Your call!
So, roll up those sleeves and start creating your own Eyeball Pasta Salad! Your guests will love the flavor—and the fright! 🍽️👀
Eyeball Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta: Prepare 200g of rotini or fusilli pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside in a large bowl.
- Make those eyeballs: Grab 150g of mini mozzarella balls and insert a sliced black olive into each one to create the perfect eyeball look. Plop these on top of your pasta.
- Add the veggies: Toss in the diced cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and both types of olives into your pasta bowl. Mix everything together.
- Whip up the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and give it a toss.
- Finish with basil: Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil leaves on top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the Eyeball Pasta Salad in a big, clear bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, maybe adding some plastic eyes for fun.