Best 4 Acini De Pepe Salad Frog Eye Recipes

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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



Acini di Pepe Salad image

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

1/4 cup uncooked acini di pepe pasta
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whipped topping
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
Dash celery seed
3/4 cup chopped fresh cauliflower
1 snack-size cup (4 ounces) pineapple tidbits, drained
1/3 cup frozen peas, partially thawed
1 tablespoon raisins
Optional: Lettuce leaves and minced fresh parsley

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 Salad image

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

1 cup acini di pepe pasta
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved
1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained with liquid reserved
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
7 ounces miniature marshmallows
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained

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



Frog Eye Salad image

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

1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ¾ cups unsweetened pineapple juice
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 quarts water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (16 ounce) package acini di pepe pasta
3 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained
2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple tidbits, drained
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup shredded coconut

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



Easy Frog Eye Salad image

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

1 ⅓ cups acini di pepe pasta
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained and 1/4 cup juice reserved
1 ⅓ cups milk
¼ cup white sugar
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups miniature marshmallows
2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple
½ cup flaked coconut

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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