This fun Halloween Eyeball Pasta Salad is a spooky treat that everyone will love! It’s made with pasta, olives, and cherry tomatoes that look like creepy eyeballs. Perfect for a festive gathering!
Kids (and adults) will giggle as they spot those “eyeballs” in their salad. I like to serve it in a big bowl and watch everyone dig in—it’s a great way to make salad fun! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini adds a fun twist and holds onto sauce well. If you’re out of rotini, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even bowtie pasta would work nicely. Gluten-free pasta is also a great alternative.
Fresh Spinach: I love using fresh spinach for its vibrant color and nutritional boost. If you prefer, you can swap it for kale or arugula for a different flavor or texture.
Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch. You could use other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even cherry tomatoes for more color.
Edamame: Edamame gives a pop of color and protein. If unavailable, chickpeas or diced green beans can be a good substitute.
Marinara Sauce: I usually use marinara for a classic taste. You can use any pasta sauce you enjoy, like pesto or Alfredo, if you want to mix things up.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: These add to the “eyeball” effect. If you prefer non-dairy options, look for vegan mozzarella or even use cubed cheese slices like provolone or cheddar.
Olives: Black olives are perfect for pupils, but green olives would also add a fun twist! Just cut them into circles for the same look.
How Do You Make The “Eyeball” Effect?
The “eyeballs” are what really makes this dish fun for Halloween! Here’s how to create them:
- Start with fresh mozzarella balls and place them on your pasta salad.
- Slice black olives into rounds.
- Top each mozzarella ball with an olive slice for the pupil. This trick is super easy and adds character to the salad!
- Press the mozzarella “eyeballs” gently onto dollops of marinara sauce for extra stability.
Get creative! You can even add a bit of sauce around them to make it look like they are “floating” in the dish. Kids love it!
Halloween Eyeball Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta (cooked and drained)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed leafy greens
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or lightly blanched
- 1/2 cup shelled edamame beans
For the Sauce and “Eyeballs”:
- 3/4 cup marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 12 black olives (such as Kalamata or black Greek olives), sliced into rounds for eye pupils
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Halloween Eyeball Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a last-minute Halloween party dish! Just make sure to allow some time for cooling the pasta if you prefer serving it chilled.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta well and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside for cooling.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta cooks, lightly steam the broccoli florets until they are just tender but still crisp. If using frozen edamame, cook them according to package instructions. Rinse your spinach or mixed leafy greens thoroughly and set them aside with the cooked veggies.
3. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, fresh spinach or mixed leafy greens, steamed broccoli florets, and shelled edamame. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Add the Marinara Sauce:
Spoon the marinara sauce over the combined pasta and vegetables. Use a spoon to create small dollops of sauce that will act as “bases” for the eyeballs. Spread it evenly across the salad.
5. Create the Eyeballs:
To give your salad its spooky twist, take each mozzarella ball and place a single black olive slice in the center to mimic the iris of an eye. These are your creepy “eyeballs”!
6. Assemble the Salad:
Gently press each mozzarella “eyeball” onto the dollops of marinara sauce spread throughout the pasta salad. Space them out evenly so every guest gets a fun surprise!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Halloween Eyeball Pasta Salad is now ready! You can serve it either chilled or at room temperature. This dish not only tastes great but also makes for a fun and spooky centerpiece at your Halloween party!
Enjoy your creepy and delicious Halloween Eyeball Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Salad?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make the Halloween Eyeball Pasta Salad vegan, swap the mozzarella for vegan cheese or omit it altogether. You can replace the edamame with chickpeas for added protein and a great texture!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time! Just keep the sauce and “eyeballs” separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and visually appealing. Store the pasta salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more, making for a tasty next-day lunch!
