Description
A sweet and creamy dessert salad made with acini di pepe pasta, pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped topping, and marshmallows.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned fruit)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipped)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Heat some salted water in a saucepan. Add the acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Stir in the reserved pineapple juice, lemon juice, and beaten egg. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a sauce-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Take it off the heat source and let it cool down fully.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows.
- Fold in the dressing and whipped topping: Gently fold the cooled dressing and whipped topping into the fruit and pasta mixture. If using shredded coconut, fold it in at this stage.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the whipped cream to add extra fluffiness. Garnish with additional fruit or coconut if desired.
Notes
Frog Eye Salad is a nostalgic recipe that has been a favorite at family gatherings and potlucks for decades. It’s light, creamy, and sweet, making it the perfect balance for savory main dishes. Don’t let the quirky name fool you—this salad is as delicious as it is unique. The key to making a perfect Frog Eye Salad is to cook the pasta al dente and let the salad chill long enough for all the flavors to meld together. Feel free to get creative with the fruit and experiment with different add-ins to make it your own!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-3 hours (for best flavor)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (pasta)
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
