Halloween Candy Corn Pasta Salad (Print)

Tri-colored pasta salad stacked in candy corn layers with veggies and mozzarella for a vibrant Halloween centerpiece.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces small pasta shells or ditalini

→ Yellow Layer

02 - 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

→ Orange Layer

04 - 1 cup baby carrots, finely diced
05 - 1 orange bell pepper, diced

→ White Layer & Dressing

06 - 1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
07 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/3 cup sour cream
09 - 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish (Optional)

13 - Chopped fresh parsley
14 - Halloween-themed sprinkles or candy eyes (for decoration; remove before eating if not edible)

# Directions:

01 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined to create the dressing.
03 - Divide the cooked and cooled pasta into three separate mixing bowls, ensuring an even distribution.
04 - Add the drained corn kernels and diced yellow bell pepper to one bowl of pasta. Toss gently to evenly coat the pasta, creating the yellow layer.
05 - Introduce the finely diced baby carrots and diced orange bell pepper to the second bowl of pasta. Toss to combine, forming the orange layer.
06 - Gently add the mozzarella pearls to the third bowl of pasta. Toss carefully to incorporate the cheese without breaking the pearls, establishing the white layer.
07 - In a clear trifle bowl or glass serving dish, artfully layer the pasta mixtures: begin with the yellow pasta mixture at the bottom, followed by the orange pasta mixture in the middle, and finish with the white pasta and mozzarella mixture at the top.
08 - Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the layered salad, or serve it on the side for individual preference.
09 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and optional decorative Halloween elements for festive presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Perfect make ahead party dish
  • Customizable with seasonal vegetables
  • Kid friendly while still appealing to adults
02 -
  • Best served chilled for optimal flavor contrast
  • Can be assembled up to 4 hours before serving
  • Perfect for potlucks since it holds its shape well
  • Makes a memorable centerpiece for Halloween buffets
03 -
  • For the most vibrant yellow layer, add a tiny pinch of turmeric to the corn mixture
  • Chill your serving bowl before assembly to keep everything crisp and fresh
  • Use a clear glass measuring cup to press down each layer for clean, distinct color separation

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