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Mediterranean Acini di Pepe Bowls with Pesto Dressing

Bymyplantbasedbowl
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These acini di pepe bowls feature fresh vegetables, lima beans, and a pesto yogurt dressing. Great for meal prep, this dinner bowl is full of Mediterranean flavors.

A bowl with lettuce, red onion, acini di pepe, bell pepper, cucumber, lima beans, and black olives.

If you’re looking for a fresh but satisfying dinner idea, try these Mediterranean acini di pepe bowls with a yogurt pesto drizzle.

Acini di pepe is a tiny pasta so you can cook it the same way, by boiling it in a large pot of salted water.

Or you can take my favorite secret shortcut and cook the acini di pepe in a pressure cooker. So quick and easy, and the hands-off method leave you time to prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Ingredients

This is a brief overview of the ingredients used in this recipe followed by substitution ideas. Read the recipe card for measurements.

Ingredients for Mediterranean acini di pepe bowls labeled romaine lettuce, lima beans, basil pesto, acini di pepe, Greek yogurt, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, red onion, and cucumber.
  • acini di pepe: this tiny pasta has a nice texture and works perfectly in bowls, mixing in with other ingredients.
  • lima beans: lima beans are also known as butter beans and contribute protein and fiber to this bowl along with their creamy texture.
  • vegetables: I like the freshness of chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and orange bell pepper in this bowl. Red onion gives a bit of a kick.
  • olives: Kalamata are my go to olive, these Greek olives are briny and delicious and remind me of my time in Greece.
  • bowl dressing: pesto and Greek yogurt combine for a tangy, herby, and delicious Mediterranean inspired dressing for this bowl.

Substitutions

  • acini di pepe: this is the main ingredient of this bowl, but if you can’t find it at your local grocery store try substituting it with white or brown rice, quinoa, couscous, Israeli couscous, bulgur, or orzo.
  • vegetables: try adding different greens like spinach, kale, or arugula or a mix of greens. Add cherry or Roma tomatoes, or grilled asparagus or zucchini.
  • lima beans: try chickpeas instead.
  • dressing: try your favorite dressing or my lemon basil vinaigrette or apple Dijon dressing.
Illustration of a yellow bowl.

How to cook acini di pepe

Because it’s a small pasta shape you can cook it just like other pasta shapes, in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 6-7 minutes, or until al dente following package instructions. I prefer the Instant Pot method shown in the recipe card.

A bowl with lettuce, red onion, acini di pepe, bell pepper, cucumber, lima beans, and black olives.

Instructions

Prep Tips

  • Appliance: I use the 6Qt Instant Pot Duo Ultra to cook the acini di pepe.
  • Drain and rinse the lima beans.

There are 3 main components to prep for this Mediterranean bowl recipe: the acini di pepe, the vegetables (and lima beans), and the sauce.

To cook the acini di pepe

Place the pasta, broth, and salt in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Mix well and set for 4 minutes on high pressure. Perform a quick pressure release, remove the lid, and fluff the pasta with a fork.

A collage with the top photo dry acini di pepe and a bottom photo cooked acini di pep with the text dry and cooked.

To prep the vegetables

Chop the lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.

To make the sauce

Mix the pesto and yogurt in a small bowl.

Pesto and yogurt are whisked in a small bowl.
A hand adding red onion to a bowl with acini di pepe, bell pepper, cucumber, lima beans, and romaine lettuce.

To assemble the bowl, add the acini di pepe, lima beans, and vegetables.

Pesto sauce is scooped on top of a bowl filled with salad.

Add the pesto sauce.

Olives are added by hand to a salad bowl.

Top with the olives and serve.

I like to mix the bowl just before I start eating so everything is coated with the pesto sauce.

A bowl with lettuce, red onion, acini di pepe, bell pepper, cucumber, lima beans, and black olives.

Tips for making acini di pepe bowls

  • Mix it up! Try out different dressing or veggies like cherry or Roma tomatoes. Add more protein like more lima beans, tofu, shrimp, or chicken.
  • Meal prep it! Each item can be stored in the fridge separately for quite a few days. To take meal prep a step further, add the acini di pepe, beans, and vegetables to a large container with a lid. Add the mixed sauce to a smaller container and take both with you for a grab and go lunch or dinner.
  • Make it vegan by using a vegan yogurt and pesto. Try this vegan oregano pesto.

What to serve with Mediterranean pesto bowls

Sometimes a bowl is enough for a light meal and sometimes you need a bit more. Try this pesto bowl with a Greek halloumi wrap or a chickpea burger for a more satiating meal.

Storage

Each component can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend storing the salad and the dressing separately when taking this meal on the go and adding the dressing right before you eat. This keeps all of the fresh veggies crispy and refreshing.

A bowl with lettuce, red onion, acini di pepe, bell pepper, cucumber, lima beans, and black olives.

FAQ

What is acini di pepe?

Acini di pepe is a tiny pasta shape commonly used in Italian wedding soup.

A bowl with lettuce, red onion, acini di pepe, bell pepper, cucumber, lima beans, and black olives.

Mediterranean Acini di Pepe Bowls with Pesto Dressing

These delicious bowls feature acini di pepe, creamy lima beans, fresh vegetables, and a tangy pesto yogurt sauce.
Servings 1
Jacqueline
special diet
A brown circle with the letters p and b to signify plant-based.
An orange circle with the letters s and f to signify soy-free.
A green circle with the letters v and v to signify vegetarian.
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prep time10 minutes
cook time14 minutes
total time24 minutes

Equipment

  • 6 QT Instant Pot Duo Ultra

Ingredients  

For the acini di pepe

  • 2/3 cup acini di pepe - dry
  • 1 cup vegetable broth - or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the bowl

  • 1/2 cup lima beans
  • 1/4 large cucumber - cut into half moons
  • 10 Kalamata olives
  • 1/4 orange bell pepper - cut into slices
  • 1 tablespoon red onion slices
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

For the dressing

  • 1 tablespoon basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt

Instructions 

For the acini di pepe

  • To cook the acini di pepe, add 2/3 cup acini di pepe to the inner pot of an Instant Pot along with 1 cup of cold water and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook for 4 minutes on high pressure followed by a quick pressure release. Fluff the pasta with a fork and use it in the recipe.

For the dressing

  • Mix the pesto and yogurt in a small bowl.

To assemble the bowl

  • Add the pasta, lima beans, cucumber, lettuce, red onion, bell pepper, and olives to a bowl.
  • Add the dressing, mix well, and serve.

Video

Notes

Each component can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend storing the salad and the dressing separately when taking this meal on the go and adding the dressing right before you eat. This keeps all of the fresh veggies crispy and refreshing.
Make it vegan by using a vegan yogurt and pesto.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 2882mg | Potassium: 890mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 5781IU | Vitamin B12: 0.2µg | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 6mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @myplantbasedbowlblog or tag #myplantbasedbowl!
A bowl with lettuce, red onion, acini di pepe, bell pepper, cucumber, lima beans, and black olives with the text acini di pepe bowls with pesto.

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Jacqueline

Hi, I’m Jacqueline. I write this website and create plant-based recipes that are easy to make and taste great. I love cooking and making elaborate bowl recipes, gardening and taking care of my little cabin, and I’m happy reading or watching a new show on Netflix.

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