Description
This Creepy-Crawly Pasta Salad is a fun and spooky twist on a classic dish, perfect for Halloween parties or themed gatherings. The playful presentation with olive ‘bugs’ and spider garnishes makes it a festive and flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup black olives (whole or sliced for ‘bugs’)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Plastic spider rings or olive ‘spiders’ (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with black olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add Dressing and Chill: Pour Italian dressing over the salad, toss well to coat, season with black pepper, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with plastic spider rings or olive ‘spiders.’ Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- To make olive ‘spiders,’ use one half as the body and slice another olive into thin strips for legs.
- For a creamier version, substitute ranch or Caesar dressing.
- This salad is a great make-ahead Halloween party dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
