Rosa Marina Salad (Acini di Pepe Pasta Salad)

Rosa Marina Salad is a creamy, sweet fruit salad made with tiny acini di pepe (Rosa Marina) pasta, whipped topping, pineapple, and mandarin oranges. It’s a classic Midwestern potluck favorite that’s refreshing, light, and easy to make.

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Prep Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cook: 10 minutes
• Chill: 2–4 hours
• Total: About 2½–4½ hours

Servings

10–12 servings

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 cup (8 oz/225 g) acini di pepe (Rosa Marina) pasta
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, juice reserved
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved (optional)

Creamy Dressing

• Reserved pineapple juice
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cook the acini di pepe according to the package directions until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely.
2. In a saucepan, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, sugar, egg, and flour.
3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla.
5. Cool the dressing completely in the refrigerator.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, coconut, and cherries.
7. Fold in the cooled dressing until everything is evenly coated.
8. Gently fold in the whipped topping.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Diced fresh strawberries
• Seedless grapes
• Mini white chocolate chips
• Toasted coconut

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the whipped topping and fruit can become watery after thawing.

Tips

• Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
• Fold in the mandarin oranges gently to keep them from breaking apart.
• If the salad thickens too much after chilling, stir in a tablespoon or two of pineapple juice before serving.
• For a food-safe version, you can replace the homemade egg-based dressing with 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mixed with the pineapple juice, then fold in the whipped topping after it thickens. This no-cook variation is especially popular for potlucks.