Acini Di Pepe Fruit Salad
A vibrant fruit salad featuring sweet pineapple, mandarin oranges, and chewy Acini di Pepe pasta, coated in a creamy sauce, perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and chunk pineapple, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the juice. Set pineapple aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the reserved juice, sugar, flour, and beaten eggs.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Cool the sauce.
- Cook the Acini di Pepe pasta in boiling water until soft, approximately 12 minutes.
- Rinse the cooked pasta in cold water and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and sauce.
- Add the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and Cool Whip. Stir gently to mix.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Acini Di Pepe Fruit Salad, consider adding a splash of coconut extract or substituting some of the sugar with honey for a natural sweetness. If you want a lighter version, you can replace the Cool Whip with Greek yogurt. Make sure the pasta is well-cooled before mixing to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a side dish at summer picnics. Consider serving it alongside Easy Date Squares for a delightful dessert spread. Garnish with mint leaves for an added touch of color and flavor. It's also a great addition to brunch tables, adding a vibrant and fruity option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. However, avoid freezing as the texture of the fruit and pasta may change. For best results, serve chilled straight from the fridge, and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Acini Di Pepe Fruit Salad contains roughly 234 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit can add a wonderful texture and flavor to the salad. Just make sure to chop the fresh fruit into bite-sized pieces and adjust the sweetness as needed since fresh fruit can vary in sweetness compared to canned options.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can prepare the salad a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. If you're worried about the pasta soaking up too much liquid, you can mix in the fruits and Cool Whip just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).