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Pasta Screamavera

Pasta Screamavera: A Fun Halloween Twist on Pasta Salad

Pasta Screamavera is a Halloween-inspired pasta salad featuring pesto, mini pepperoni, and mozzarella ghosts for a delightful crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Fresh Mozzarella Balls Any mild cheese can work as a substitute.
  • 8 ounces Squid Ink Fusilli Pasta Regular fusilli serves if squid ink is hard to find.
  • 1 cup Mini Pepperoni Slices Diced salami or turkey pepperoni can be used.
  • 1 cup Zucchini Diced small; can substitute with yellow squash.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Diced; any bell pepper variety or diced tomatoes work.
  • 1 medium Shallot Finely minced; use red onion if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning Feel free to use fresh herbs.
  • 1/2 cup Bottled Italian Dressing Homemade vinaigrette can be a fantastic alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Prepared Pesto Swap with homemade pesto or spinach puree for a lighter taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Grated; garlic powder can work if you're out of fresh garlic.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Silicone ghost mold
  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Medium-sized bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place two mozzarella balls in a silicone ghost mold and bake for about 8 minutes until softened. Chill in the refrigerator after molding.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add squid ink fusilli. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled fusilli, mini pepperoni, zucchini, red bell pepper, and shallot. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and toss together.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, pesto, and garlic. Pour half over the salad and stir to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, gently fold in the molded mozzarella ghosts and drizzle remaining dressing over the salad. Adjust seasoning and garnish with herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow flavors to meld beautifully by chilling properly. Feel free to adapt ingredients as needed for dietary preferences.

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