Creepy Crawly Grub Salad for Halloween

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gross halloween recipes

What’s Up, Hungry People

It’s Halloween week, and my kitchen is crawling with all things creepy, crawly, and downright ghoulish! If you’re in the mood to spook up your salad game, this Halloween GRUB Salad is just what you need. Forget about digging around in your garden for bugs – I’ve got you covered with these slimy, yet totally edible, grubs.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – grubs on a salad? Have I finally lost it? Well, not quite. These little wiggly wonders are the perfect way to freak out your friends while secretly giving them something delicious to munch on. The best part? They might look gross, but they taste pretty great – just don’t tell anyone that when you serve them!

halloween bug recipe

Here’s What You Need

  • Gelatin: To keep those creepy crawlies together in one jiggly mass.
  • Broccoli: Steamed for easy blending into the grub mixture.
  • Peas: Adds a little extra veggie goodness to the grubs.
  • Cranberries: Gives the grubs a bit of tangy TWANG.
  • Parmesan cheese: Brings a cheesy element to the mix.

You might also find it helpful to have the following tools handy:

  • Blender or food processor: Essential for getting that grub mixture smooth and well-blended.
  • Bug molds: Perfect for shaping your grubs—find some on Amazon (affiliate link).
  • Pipettes: Makes filling the molds super easy.

Let’s Cook

First things first, you’ll need to bloom the gelatin. Follow the instructions on the packet and bloom the gelatin in some boiling water. This is key to getting your grubs to hold together without turning into a gloopy mess.

While the gelatin is setting, go ahead and steam the broccoli and peas. You want them soft enough to blend smoothly, so follow the steaming instructions on their packaging. Once those veggies are nice and tender, toss them into your blender or food processor. Add in the cranberries and Parmesan, then give everything a good pulse until it’s all mixed up.

Now, pour in the water and bloomed gelatin. Blend it all again until the mixture is smooth. Depending on your blender’s mood, you might need to add a few extra tablespoons of water to get the right consistency – just don’t let it get too runny.

Once your mixture is good to go, it’s time to fill the molds. Grab your pipettes and start filling those bug molds with your grub mixture. Pop the filled molds into the fridge and let them chill for at least an hour. This gives the gelatin enough time to set up nice and firm.

Building the Salad

While your grubs are chilling, you can start assembling the salad. I went the easy route and grabbed a bag of salad mix from the store, but if you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and chop up your own greens.

For the toppings, I like a mix of crunchy and fresh. Think fried beets, onions, and carrots – stuff that adds texture and a little bit of crunch. Don’t forget the dressing! I’m a fan of spicy ranch, but you do you.

When your grubs are ready, pop them out of the molds and place them right on top of your salad. They’ll look like they’re crawling all over the greens.

Tips and Troubleshooting

  • Getting the Grubs Out: If your grubs are sticking to the molds, try dipping the bottom of the mold in warm water for a few seconds. This should help them slide out more easily without losing their shape.
  • Blending Consistency: If your grub mixture is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you get a smooth, blendable consistency. Just be careful not to overdo it, or the mixture will be too runny to set properly.
  • Customization: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like spinach or kale into your grub mixture for added greens. Just be sure to adjust the water content to keep the texture right.

Common Questions

  • What if I don’t have bug molds?
    • No worries! You can use any small mold or even an ice cube tray and a knife to cut shapes for your grubs.
  • Can I make the grubs ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Just keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
  • Can I use other vegetables in the grub mix?
    • Definitely! Feel free to substitute with any soft veggies that blend well, like spinach or even roasted squash.
halloween bug salad

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

This is a simplified version of THIS grub salad from EatTheDead.com – theirs are way cooler than mine turned out!

It’s spooky, it’s gross, and best of all, it’s actually pretty tasty. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy the weirdest Halloween treat you’ve ever served. And don’t worry—these grubs won’t bite back. Happy Halloween, and may your salads always be infested (in the best way possible)!

gross halloween recipes

Halloween GRUB Salad

The Starving Chef
If you are looking for a unique salad topping for Halloween, there's no need to go digging in your garden for bugs. 
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Halloween
Cuisine Halloween, Salad
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

FOR GRUBS:

  • 1 packet gelatin + boiled water for blooming
  • ½ cup broccoli steamed
  • ½ cup peas steamed
  • 5 dried cranberries optional
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ cup water + more as needed

FOR SALAD:

  • 1 bag salad mix
  • your favorite salad dressing for topping
  • carrots for topping
  • tomatoes for topping
  • fried red beets for topping
  • fried onions for topping
  • your favorite salad toppings!

Instructions
 

  • Bloom the gelatin in boiling water according to the instructions on the packaging. Steam the broccoli and peas according to the instructions on their packages.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the steamed broccoli, peas, Parmesan, and cranberries. Pulse until blended, then add the water and bloomed gelatin and blend until smooth. You may need to add a few extra tablespoons of water to achieve a smooth consistency.
  • Use a pipette to fill the molds. Chill until the gelatin is set, at least one hour. While the gelatin sets, prepare the salad and toppings. Pop out the grubs and serve on top of the salad. Happy Halloween!
Keyword broccoli, gelatin, peas, salad
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