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Halloween Pasta Salad

This vibrant pasta salad combines colorful fusilli, crunchy bell peppers, creamy cheese cubes, and briny olives, all tossed in a tangy lemon-honey dressing. The dish features a playful mix of textures—crunchy, creamy, and tangy—and a visually chaotic, festive appearance perfect for celebrating Halloween. It’s quick to assemble, fresh, and irresistibly fun to eat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g fusilli pasta or rotini
  • 1 red or orange bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 200 g cheese cubes mozzarella or cheddar
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced or halved
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the fusilli. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, until it has a slight bounce when bitten.
  • Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Shake off excess water.
  • While the pasta cools, dice the bell pepper into small, crunchy pieces and prepare the cheese cubes, slicing olives if necessary.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic until the dressing is smooth and slightly frothy.
  • Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to coat all the noodles evenly, watching the vibrant colors cling to the pasta.
  • Add the diced bell peppers, cheese cubes, sliced olives, and chopped parsley to the pasta. Carefully fold everything together to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Check the seasoning and add a little more lemon juice or honey if desired for extra brightness and tang.
  • Serve the pasta salad immediately for the freshest crunch and color, or refrigerate for up to an hour to let flavors meld. Garnish with extra parsley if you like for a festive touch.

Notes

For extra spooky flair, add some sliced radishes or orange bell peppers. Serve chilled for best freshness and crunch.