Get into the spirit of the season with this spooktacular Halloween caprese pasta salad recipe! This bewitching dish combines the classic flavors of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a black pasta and colorful carrot twist, making it the perfect side dish for any Halloween gathering.
I just can't wait any longer. I know I know, it's not even fall yet but...SPOOKY SEASON is almost upon us! If you've been following along with me for literally any length of time or know me at all, you're sure to be aware of my Halloween obsession. It's🙌🏻the🙌🏻best🙌🏻holiday. Ever. So really it's no surprise I've already got a recipe ready to go for you (and more to come 🎃). Introducing Halloween caprese pasta salad!
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Why You'll Love It
It's quick, easy, and eerily festive 👻! Okay okay, more specifically...First of all, it takes just 20 minutes to make. For real, just 20 minutes start to finish! Secondly, it's vegetarian AND gluten free (I used black bean pasta), gotta love that. Thirdly, I'm a lazy bum so I didn't do this 😂 but you can customize the "festive level" to your heart's content. Cut little pumpkins out of the carrots, or even make ghosts out of the mozzarella balls with a little balsamic glaze!
Ingredients
In order to make this Halloween caprese pasta salad truly spooky, there's a few things you'll need:
- Black bean or black rice pasta - The ingredient that gives this dish it's eerie edge!
- Dark red or orange cherry tomatoes - I liked the dark red ones for a creepy touch, but orange would also work as tiny pumpkins!
- Mozzarella balls or mozzarella pearls - Little ghosties!
- Fresh basil - Absolutely necessary for any caprese salad recipe.
- Rainbow carrots - Specifically of the purple, orange, and white variations but you can also just use orange.
Variations and Substitutions
Do you have to use black pasta? Nope! I've also used orange colored pasta, like this butternut squash pasta shaped like pumpkins.
Another fave variation of mine is to swap out the mozzarella for burrata cheese for a creamy, fancier gourmet twist.
You can also add more (or less) veggies depending on your preference. Sliced black olives and/or diced orange bell pepper are great for more halloween coloring, or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for an autumn touch!
FAQs About This Recipe
Absolutely. Toss the pasta together with all the ingredients except for the mozzarella balls and the basil and store in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Then add the cheese and basil just before serving!
Of course! While traditional Caprese salads typically use mozzarella balls, you can certainly experiment with other cheese varieties. Try using fresh burrata cheese for a creamier texture or swap the mozzarella for crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
This Halloween caprese pasta salad can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.
If you've tried this recipe or have any more questions, scroll down to leave a comment below!
Halloween Caprese Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get into the spirit of the season with this spooktacular Halloween caprese pasta salad recipe! This bewitching dish combines the classic flavors of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a black pasta and colorful carrot twist, making it the perfect side dish for any Halloween gathering.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 lb black penne (I used black bean penne but black rice penne will also work)
- 1 cup dark red cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or balls
- ¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 cup purple, orange, and white carrots, thinly sliced
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon mustard
- Coarse salt, ground black pepper to taste
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta to al dente according to box instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and chill until ready to use.
- Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl.
- In a large salad bowl, toss pasta together with dressing, tomatoes, mozzarella, carrots, and basil and
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with any extra fresh basil. Enjoy chilled!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
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