How to Make Acini di Pepe Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

Acini di Pepe Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for summertime gatherings, picnics, or as a light and healthy meal any time of the year. This pasta salad is made with tiny, round pasta called acini di pepe, which translates to "grains of pepper" in Italian. The small size of acini di pepe makes it a perfect choice for salads, as it holds onto sauces and dressings well, and adds a unique texture to the dish.

What makes this salad so special is the combination of...

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Ingredients

  • 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 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 7 ounces miniature marshmallows
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 8 hrs
  • Total Time: 8 hrs 25 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Combine reserved liquids from pineapple and oranges (about 1 1/2 cups), sugar, beaten eggs, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Mix in cooked pasta. Refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
  • Transfer chilled pasta mixture to a large serving bowl. Stir in pineapple, oranges, whipped topping, and marshmallows. Top with cherries. Keep salad chilled in the refrigerator until serving time.
  • Nutrition

    487 cal.

    • Total Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 47mg
    • Sodium: 195mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 99g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 61g
    • Protein: 7g
    • Vitamin C: 25mg
    • Calcium: 35mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 267mg