Halloween isn’t just about candy bags and carved pumpkins—it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels magical, a little spooky, and a lot of fun. And the food? That’s where the party really comes alive. One dish that has become a favorite at my house is the Eyeball Pasta Salad. With jet-black bowtie pasta, bright orange pepper stars, and mozzarella “eyeballs” staring back at you, it’s the perfect mix of festive and flavorful.
The first time I made this, it stole the spotlight at our neighborhood Halloween potluck. Kids squealed when they spotted the eyeballs, parents laughed, and the serving bowl was polished off in no time. This isn’t just a pasta salad—it’s a memory-making dish that doubles as a spooky pasta salad centerpiece for your table.
Eyeball Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz farfalle pasta also known as bowtie pasta
- black food coloring or squid ink or activated charcoal for natural coloring
- 1 orange bell pepper cut into star shapes
- 1 cup marinated mozzarella balls ciliegine or bocconcini
- ¼ cup black olives sliced into rings for pupils
- 1 cup edamame shelled, cooked, and cooled
- ¼ cup red onion chopped
- ½ cup Italian dressing or use ranch or vinaigrette as substitute
Instructions
- Boil farfalle pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Place pasta in a bowl, cover with water, and stir in black food coloring. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Drain and rinse pasta again until evenly black.
- Cut orange bell pepper into star shapes. Chop red onion. Prepare cooked edamame.
- Arrange mozzarella balls on a plate and top each with a black olive ring to make ‘eyeballs.’
- In a large bowl, combine dyed pasta, bell pepper stars, edamame, chopped onion, and any leftover olives.
- Pour in Italian dressing and toss to combine.
- Top salad with mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ for a spooky finish.
- Chill until ready to serve or serve immediately.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Eyeball Pasta Salad
What makes this pasta salad stand out from other Halloween themed food? It’s playful, practical, and absolutely delicious.
- Spooky Fun: Those mozzarella and olive “eyeballs” make it a real showstopper. Perfect for photos and party laughs.
- Fool Proof Halloween Recipe: Even beginner cooks can pull this together in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced & Tasty: With edamame, onion, and bell peppers, it’s fresh and crunchy—not just creepy.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It works as a side dish, appetizer, or centerpiece for a Halloween dinner idea.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it a day before, then garnish with eyeballs just before serving.
Pair it with other fall favorites like Moist Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix for a full spread of scary party food.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy Halloween pasta recipe:
- Farfalle Pasta (16 oz): Bowtie pasta holds the “eyeball” look beautifully. Sub with rotini or penne if needed.
- Black Food Coloring: Turns your pasta into a creepy base. Natural option: squid ink or activated charcoal.
- Orange Bell Pepper: Cut into stars for a festive touch. Sub with red or yellow peppers.
- Mozzarella Balls (1 cup, marinated): Ciliegine or bocconcini sizes work best for eyeballs.
- Black Olives (¼ cup): Slice into rings to form the pupils. Green olives with pimento are a fun twist.
- Edamame (1 cup, shelled, cooked, cooled): Adds crunch and protein. Sub with peas.
- Red Onion (¼ cup, chopped): For a sharp bite. Sub with shallots for milder flavor.
- Italian Dressing (½ cup): Brings everything together. Sub with ranch or vinaigrette.
For another playful Halloween dish, check out my Vampire Trail Mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Boil farfalle until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. - Dye the Pasta
Place pasta in a bowl, cover with water, stir in black food coloring, and let sit 5 minutes. Drain and rinse until pasta is evenly black. - Prep the Veggies
Cut orange bell pepper into star shapes, chop onion, and prepare edamame. - Make the Eyeballs
Place mozzarella balls on a plate. Add black olive rings to create pupils. - Mix the Salad
Combine pasta, peppers, edamame, onion, and leftover olives in a large bowl. Toss with Italian dressing. - Decorate with Eyeballs
Arrange mozzarella eyeballs across the top for maximum spooky effect. - Chill & Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate until party time.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Monster Mash Style: Add cherry tomatoes, broccoli, or purple cabbage for more color.
- Protein Boost: Toss in shredded chicken, ham, or shrimp.
- Different Dressing: Ranch or creamy Caesar turn it into a whole new flavor.
- Extra Creepy Pasta Dish: Add gummy worms as garnish for kids’ parties.
- Party Spread: Pair with Pumpkin Trifle or Pumpkin Donuts for a mix of sweet and savory.
And don’t forget to share your table setups on my Facebook page or Pinterest boards.
FAQs About Eyeball Pasta Salad
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the pasta and veggies up to a full day before your party. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Wait until just before serving to add the mozzarella eyeballs so they hold their shape. This way, your spooky pasta salad looks sharp and party-ready.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love helping make the “eyeballs” by topping mozzarella balls with olive slices. You can also swap Italian dressing for ranch or a mild vinaigrette to suit younger taste buds. It’s a fun recipe that doubles as a hands-on activity for little ones. Halloween food doesn’t get much more entertaining than this.
How can I make it gluten-free?
The great news is this recipe is naturally easy to adapt for gluten-free diets. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the farfalle. The veggies, cheese, and dressing are already gluten-free. You’ll end up with the same spooky, flavorful salad without compromising on texture.
What’s the best way to dye the pasta?
The quickest method is using black food coloring mixed into water and soaking the pasta after cooking. If you’d rather go natural, squid ink gives an authentic dark hue with a hint of brininess. Activated charcoal also works, especially for a neutral flavor. Just be sure to rinse well to set the color evenly.
How long does it last?
This salad keeps well for up to three days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. The pasta and veggies stay flavorful, but the mozzarella eyeballs may lose their sharp look after the second day. If you’re serving again later, refresh the dish with new mozzarella. It’s a make-ahead option that still tastes delicious.
Can I turn this into a main dish?
Yes, with just a simple protein boost you can transform it from a side into a hearty dinner. Add shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or even cubed ham for extra substance. This makes the pasta salad filling enough to serve as the star of your Halloween table. It’s both fun and practical for party hosting.
The Takeaway for Your Party Table
Halloween food trends are moving toward dishes that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious, and this Eyeball Pasta Salad hits the sweet spot. With its mix of spooky visuals, easy prep, and fool proof flavors, it checks every box for today’s party hosts looking for Halloween themed food that wows both kids and adults. Whether you’re setting up a full Halloween pasta bar, creating spooky sides for Halloween, or planning a complete Halloween dinner party, this creepy pasta dish brings fun and flavor to the table. Keep it simple, make it ahead, and watch as it becomes the most talked-about plate at your party.