Acini di pepe salad, also known as frog eye salad, is a delightful Italian pasta salad that combines the flavors of tiny pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Originating from the Liguria region of Italy, this salad is traditionally served as a side dish or as a light lunch. The main ingredients of acini di pepe salad typically include acini di pepe pasta, which resembles small peppercorns, along with an array of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, carrots, and onions. This vibrant salad is dressed in a flavorful vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs. Additionally, this versatile dish offers endless variations. Some recipes incorporate ingredients like olives, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. Others add cooked meats such as ham, salami, or tuna to enhance its savory profile. Explore the diverse recipes within this article to find your perfect acini di pepe salad combination.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ACINI DI PEPE SALAD
Looking for a quick lunch idea? I blend veggies, tiny pasta and juicy pineapple bits into one of my crunchy, creamy acini di pepe recipes. This is my favorite. -June Herke, Watertown, South Dakota
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, whipped topping, onion and celery seed. Add cauliflower, pineapple, peas, raisins and pasta; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. If desired, serve on a lettuce-lined plate and sprinkle with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 284mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
ACINI DI PEPE SALAD
Acini di pepe is the Italian word for peppercorns. Any tiny round-shaped pasta works well in this chilled fruit salad. Great in the summer, but my family asks for it every holiday. Every time I bring this to a party I get requests for the recipe.
Provided by CORTAB0408
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain.
- In medium saucepan, combine reserved liquids from pineapple and oranges (equals about 1 1/2 cups), sugar, eggs, salt and flour. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. When mixture becomes thick, add cooked pasta and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, add pineapple and oranges, whipped topping and marshmallows to taste. Mix together and top with cherries if desired. Keep chilled until served.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 487 calories, Carbohydrate 98.7 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 8.9 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 194.9 mg, Sugar 61.3 g
FROG EYE SALAD
An acini di pepe (or couscous) pasta salad with coconut, pineapple, Mandarin oranges, and marshmallows.
Provided by Judy Awe
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 14h5m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a sauce pan, combine sugar, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pineapple juice and eggs. Stir and cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat; add lemon juice and cool to room temperature.
- Bring water to a boil, add oil, remaining salt and cook pasta until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, egg mixture, mandarin oranges, pineapple and whipped topping. Mix well and refrigerate overnight or until chilled. Before serving add marshmallows and coconut. Toss and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 580.6 calories, Carbohydrate 114.1 g, Cholesterol 37.2 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 8.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 647.7 mg, Sugar 74.5 g
EASY FROG EYE SALAD
This is a great potluck dish that uses instant vanilla pudding to cut down on preparation time.
Provided by Mindy
Categories Salad Fruit Salad Recipes
Time 5h15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook acini de pepe in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and rinse well with cold water.
- Beat reserved pineapple juice, milk, sugar, and pudding mix together in a large bowl for about 2 minutes. Stir pineapple chunks, marshmallows, mandarin oranges, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, and coconut into the bowl with the juice mixture carefully. Cover and refrigerate at least 5 hours to overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 290.2 calories, Carbohydrate 62.9 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 1.9 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 165.3 mg, Sugar 36.1 g
Tips:
- Use a variety of colors and textures in your salad for visual appeal. For example, add some chopped fresh parsley or basil, or some colorful cherry tomatoes.
- If you don't have any acini de pepe, you can substitute another small pasta shape, such as orzo or ditalini.
- If you want a vegetarian version of this salad, you can omit the prosciutto or pancetta.
- To make this salad ahead of time, cook the pasta and vegetables according to the directions in the recipe. Let them cool completely, then store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve the salad, combine the pasta, vegetables, and dressing in a large bowl.
Conclusion:
Acini de pepe salad is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables. With its bright flavors and colorful appearance, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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