Some recipes feel like they belong in the shadows—moody, mysterious, and just a little bit magical. This pasta salad is exactly that. Inspired by the dark elegance of Wednesday Addams and the quirky creepiness of Beetlejuice, it’s a hauntingly beautiful mix of black, white, and blood-red ingredients that demand attention without trying too hard.
Enter: The Dressed-Up Dead Pasta Salad—a black, white, and red beauty that’s equal parts stylish and sinister. With dramatic black and white bow tie pasta, blood-red cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, briny black olives, and creamy mozzarella pearls, it’s the perfect bite for anyone who finds joy in gloom and carbs. It’s hauntingly good and dead simple to make. (See what I did there?)
I found the black and white striped bow tie pasta at TJ Maxx last year and instantly knew it had Beetlejuice vibes written all over it. Turns out—it’s also perfectly on point for a Wednesday Addams-themed dish. Can’t find it locally or don’t have time to hunt it down in-store? Fear not, dark diners—our Amazon bestie has it right here. 🖤🍝
Too tired to whisk together your own vinaigrette because your soul’s as exhausted as your social battery? Same. Just douse it in Olive Garden Italian Dressing and pretend it’s witchcraft. No one will know.
Whether you're hosting a haunted house party or just emotionally nesting in a black velvet robe with Netflix and a cauldron of this salad, one thing’s for sure: this dish slays. Literally and figuratively.
🖤 Black, White & Red Pasta Salad – a.k.a. “The Dressed-Up Dead” 🖤
🕯️ Ingredients:
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8 oz black & white bow tie pasta (striped, or half squid ink pasta + half plain) Don't worry Amazon has it!
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1/2 cup black olives, sliced
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or use halved grape tomatoes for a pop of red)
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1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (jarred is fine!)
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1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or sharp white cheddar
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1/4 small red onion, finely sliced
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1 tbsp capers (optional, for brininess and extra contrast)
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, but adds a little fresh flavor)
⚰️ Dressing:
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3 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt & cracked black pepper, to taste
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Optional: a dash of garlic powder or a spoon of sun-dried tomato oil for extra flavor
- You can also swap the homemade dressing for a quick fix by using Olive Garden Italian Dressing—it adds a zesty kick and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
🕷️ Instructions:
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking.
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, olives, tomatoes, red peppers, mozzarella, and onion.
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the dressing ingredients.
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Toss salad with the dressing, garnish with herbs if using, and chill before serving (at least 15 minutes if you can).
💀 Serving Ideas:
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Plate on a black tray or in a glass bowl to highlight the color contrast.
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Add black sesame seeds for subtle texture and extra goth points
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