De Pepe Salad(Frog Eye Salad)
Frog Eye Salad is a sweet, creamy dessert with pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and macaroni, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of De Pepe macaroni in 4 cups of water for 12 minutes until water boils away.
- Set the cooked macaroni aside to cool.
- Drain pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges, reserving the juice from the oranges.
- Heat the orange juice and thicken it by cooking with 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and a dash of salt until thickened.
- Allow the sauce to cool.
- Add the cooled sauce to the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight.
- The next morning, add the drained fruit, miniature marshmallows, and cool whip to the macaroni mixture.
- Stir until well combined and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the sauce. If you want a healthier twist, substitute the sugar with honey or a sugar alternative. For a tropical touch, try using shredded pineapple instead of chunks. Ensure the macaroni is completely cool before mixing in the sauce to prevent it from melting the cool whip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad as a side dish at summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light dessert. For a fun twist, serve it in individual cups topped with extra miniature marshmallows or a sprinkle of coconut. This dish complements other American recipes like Chili Cheese Bread perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can become watery over time due to the fruit, so give it a gentle stir before serving. This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not freeze well, as the texture of the fruit and cool whip may separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of De Pepe Salad(Frog Eye Salad) contains roughly 741 calories, with 18g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 925mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
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 different types of pasta for this salad?
Yes, while De Pepe macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a good texture in the salad.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
Refrigerating the salad overnight allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken properly. If you're short on time, try refrigerating for at least 4 hours, but the longer it sits, the better the taste.
Can I make this salad in advance for a party?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day or two in advance. Just follow the recipe, store it covered in the refrigerator, and add the fruit and cool whip shortly before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
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).