Acini di pepe salad is a delightful Italian dish that combines the flavors of al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Originating from the Lazio region of Italy, this salad is a staple of summer gatherings and picnics, offering a refreshing and flavorful side dish or light meal. Made with tiny pasta shaped like peppercorns, known as acini di pepe, this salad is tossed with a variety of vegetables, including colorful bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The dressing, typically a vinaigrette, adds a tangy and herbaceous touch, while the addition of salty and nutty ingredients like olives, cheese, and pine nuts provides a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. With variations ranging from creamy dressings to the addition of grilled shrimp or roasted chicken, acini di pepe salad offers a versatile canvas for culinary creativity, making it a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
In this article, we present a collection of acini di pepe salad recipes that showcase the diverse culinary possibilities of this dish. From a classic Italian version featuring a simple vinaigrette dressing to a creamy Greek-inspired variant with feta cheese and cucumber, these recipes offer a range of flavors and textures to suit every palate. Additionally, we share a hearty salad with grilled shrimp and a refreshing vegan version that highlights the natural flavors of the vegetables. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and stunning photographs, this article provides all the inspiration and guidance you need to create a delicious and visually appealing acini di pepe salad that will impress your family and friends.
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
I have been making this for years, and we usually took it camping because it is a 2 step process, and was easy to throw together the next day. The recipe originally came from muy sisters employee cook book St Law Psychiatric Center Centenial Cookbook. The cook was JoAnn Whitford. It's a really sweet salad, almost a dessert.
Provided by Jane Whittaker
Categories Pasta Sides
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Cook Acini per package directions, rinse, and drain well.
- 2. Mix together in a saucepan the eggs, flour, sugar, salt, and juices from oranges and pineapple.
- 3. Cook and stir until thick, pour custard over cooked Acini. Cover and chill overnight.
- 4. Next day stir in Cool Whip, fruit, and serve. Add optional fruit you are using at this time also.
ACINI DI PEPE SALAD
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for about 6 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss the pasta with the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt. Fold in the tomatoes, pine nuts, radicchio, onion, and basil. Sprinkle with the feta cheese.
- Serve at room temperature.
DELIGHTFUL FRUIT SALAD
"As much or as little Cool Whip can be added - to taste. If I have some mandarin oranges or maraschino cherries, I add a few to the top. I used this recipe as a salad, but my friends say it is good enough to be a dessert!" -Elaine Bailey, Bloomfield, Indiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 35m
Yield 24 servings (3/4 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, flour and salt. Gradually stir in pineapple juice. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in lemon juice. , Transfer to a large bowl. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Cover surface of dressing with waxed paper; refrigerate until cooled., Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a very large bowl; stir in the oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, coconut and dressing. Fold in whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 234 calories, Fat 4g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 71mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
ACINI DI PEPE SALAD
Exotic tropical fruit dish. Easy to make, A gang pleaser and a enjoyable dessert. When cooking pasta, do not over cook it or undercook it. Drain the pasta in cold water after done cooking. Make sure you save the juices for after you mix it.
Provided by Grammy Maria
Categories Dessert
Time 20m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook the Acine De Pepe pasta--DO not cooked thoroughly.
- Drain the pineapples and oranges. SAVE JUICES. Mix the juices with sugar, flour and eggs.
- In a bowl stir in with all the ingredients. Let sit over night in the refrigerator, then add the fruit and the Cool Whip. Let it chill for 2 hours, then serv it and enjoy it. - SINC.
- Grammy Maria.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 213, Fat 7.5, SaturatedFat 5.4, Cholesterol 63.1, Sodium 28.1, Carbohydrate 32, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 13.8, Protein 5.3
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
ACINI DI PEPE SALAD
A recipe from my Aunt Patty. There are recipes like this on 'Zaar, but this is a bit different in it's preparation and ingredients. An ambrosia type salad, this is good for a winter dessert or a summer barbeque. Cooking time includes refrigeration.
Provided by BothFex
Categories Fruit
Time P1DT1h5m
Yield 1 Large Salad
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta per box directions. Drain and rinse when done then set aside to cool.
- Heat pineapple juice, sugar, salt, flour, and eggs over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
- When both pasta and pineapple juice mixture are cool, combine them then refrigerate in an airtight container overnight.
- Next day: stir in fruit and nuts (if desired). Fold in Cool-Whip. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes enough for a big crowd!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 4417.6, Fat 137.3, SaturatedFat 104.8, Cholesterol 634.5, Sodium 1518, Carbohydrate 714.4, Fiber 15.9, Sugar 357.3, Protein 87.2
MOM'S FROG EYE SALAD RECIPE
Growing up this Frog Eye salad was a must at every family get together! It's perfect for summer BBQ's and potlucks where you have to feed a big crowd. It's a family favorite that has been in our family for years, and is sure to please!
Provided by Six Sisters Stuff
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook the Acini De Pepe pasta according to package directions. When done, rinse under cold water in strainer. Let cool.
- In a saucepan over medium high heat stir together pineapple juice, sugar, flour, salt and egg. Cook and stir constantly until mixture thickens and is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the pasta and thickened mixture.
- Then gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple, marshmallows and coconut. Fold in Cool Whip.
- Refrigerate until serving.
- This recipe can easily be doubled.
Nutrition Facts : Servingsize 1 serving, Calories 3453 kcal, Fat 64 g, SaturatedFat 55 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 1316 mg, Carbohydrate 611 g, Sugar 369 g, Protein 71 mg
ACINI DI PEPE SALAD
Make and share this Acini Di Pepe Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Ingy1171
Categories European
Time 26m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for about 6 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss the pasta with the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt. Fold in the tomatoes, pine nuts, radicchio, onion, and basil.
- Sprinkle with the feta cheese.
- Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 480.1, Fat 32, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 22.2, Sodium 870.3, Carbohydrate 38.8, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 2.9, Protein 11.8
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for fresh, ripe vegetables and herbs, and use a good quality olive oil and vinegar.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Acini di pepe is a small pasta, so it cooks quickly. Be sure to check it often and remove it from the heat as soon as it is al dente.
- Let the salad cool completely before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad will be more refreshing.
- Feel free to customize the salad to your liking. Add more or less vegetables, cheese, or dressing, as desired.
Conclusion:
Acini di pepe salad is a delicious and refreshing summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light lunches. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. With its colorful vegetables, flavorful dressing, and chewy pasta, this salad is sure to be a hit!
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