Summery Acini Di Pepe Pasta Salad
I had a bunch of leftover acini di pepe and fresh veggies in the fridge, so I whipped together this light pasta salad that’s different, but it totally works. And if you’re looking for something more similar to the traditional frog eye salad that also uses this type of pasta, check out our Cranberry Fluff Salad.
Looking for More Recipes Like This?
Then try out our couscous salad that’s full of fresh veggies and our favorite Greek inspired flavors.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- acini di pepe – A small round pasta that’s perfect for broth based soups and pasta salads and it can be found in the pasta aisle at your local grocery store. But you could easily swap this out for couscous or wheat berries.
- sunflower seeds – Any small nut or seed would work like pine nuts, slivered almonds, or crushed cashews.
- veggies – We picked our favorite no-cook veggies, but feel free to swap in the ones you like best! Tender asparagus or thinly sliced carrots would be amazing here.
- dressing – We love this simple balsamic inspired dressing but you could swap it out for our creamy balsamic dressing if that’s more your style.
How To Make Acini Di Pepe Pasta Salad
Make It In Advance
This is one of those salads that really does taste better after it’s been in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight, so plan accordingly. This extra time allows the dressing to soak into the veggies and pasta and makes every bite super flavorful.
Just chop the fresh veggies and cook the acini di pepe. Throw it all in a large bowl, top with the dressing, and enjoy! It only takes about 8-10 minutes to cook acini di pepe. Just be sure to drain it using a fine mesh sieve rather than a colander as these little guys will go right through those big holes.
Recipe FAQs and Tips
- What can I make with acini di pepe pasta? We love to use this cute little pasta in our Italian Wedding Soup recipe, but it really could go well in any type of pasta salad.
- What is the difference between acini de pepe and couscous? While both pastas are made with semolina flour, they have slightly different cooking methods, flavors, and textures. Acini di pepe is simmered and has a mild texture and flavor. Couscous has a shorter cooking time and is steamed. It also becomes much larger and plumper than acini di pepe and has a nuttier flavor.
- What to serve with acini di pepe salad? Since this one is a bit lighter, it would pair with any good sandwich like our Greek yogurt chicken salad sandwich or our Caprese sandwich. And it you serve it with dinner, it would be a perfect side to go with our balsamic grilled chicken or our best grilled ribs.
If you make and love this healthy salad as much as we do, we would appreciate you taking a minute to leave a star rating and review!
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Acini di Pepe Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Counter Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
Our fresh & flavorful Acini di Pepe Salad makes the perfect side dish or meatless lunch that can be enjoyed all week!
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Salad:
- 2.5 cups acini di pepe, cooked & cooled
- 10oz package frozen peas, thawed
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup mini cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 3 fresh chives, chopped
- optional: feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Make Dressing: Put all of the Dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Combine Salad: Place all the Salad ingredients in a large bowl; toss to combine. Pour the dressing over the top and give it another mix.
- Taste: Try a bite of the salad and adjust any flavors, as desired. Option to add some freshly cracked pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later! Flavors are typically best when it sits overnight in the fridge before serving.
Notes
- Acini di Pepe Pasta – checkout our complete post on acini di pepe if you have never cooked with this fun pasta before now.
- Storage: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 317
- Sugar: 14.8 g
- Sodium: 255 mg
- Fat: 23.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 23.2 g
- Fiber: 4.7 g
- Protein: 6.9 g
- Cholesterol: 16.7 mg
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