Description
Frog Eye Salad is a classic, sweet, and creamy fruit salad featuring acini di pepe pasta combined with pineapple, mandarin oranges, banana, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows, all folded into a luscious whipped cream dressing. This refreshing dessert is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Pasta
- 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)
- 10 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup acini di pepe noodles
- 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 banana, sliced
Sauce and Dressing
- 1 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Drain and Reserve Pineapple Juice: Drain the pineapple tidbits and crushed pineapple, reserving the juices in a bowl. Keep the drained pineapple fruit refrigerated for use later.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, granulated sugar, egg yolk, salt, and cornstarch until smooth. Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it reaches a low boil and thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Cook Acini Di Pepe Noodles: Boil the acini di pepe noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooled acini di pepe noodles with the thickened pineapple sauce in a Tupperware or bowl. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to let flavors meld and the mixture to chill.
- Add Fruits and Mix-ins: After chilling, combine the acini di pepe mixture with the reserved pineapple pieces, drained mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and sliced banana in a large bowl. Gently fold to combine.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light whipped cream.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the fruit and pasta mixture until well incorporated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, allow the salad to chill overnight to blend flavors well.
- Avoid overcooking the acini di pepe to maintain the salad’s signature slight chewiness.
- Fresh banana slices may brown if prepared too far in advance; add just before serving if possible.
- This salad is best served cold as a refreshing dessert or side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Frog Eye Salad, Pineapple Salad, Fruit Salad, Acini di Pepe, Creamy Dessert, Sweet Salad
