Frog Eye Fruit Salad
A creamy, fruity salad featuring sweet pineapple, mandarin oranges, and acini de pepe, blended with a luscious Cool Whip topping. Perfect for parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, flour, salt, pineapple juice from canned fruit, and beaten eggs in a saucepan.
- Cook until boiling, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Cook acini de pepe according to package instructions, then drain.
- Mix cooked acini de pepe with the cooled dressing.
- Let the mixture set overnight, it will be very thick.
- Add drained crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and Cool Whip to the mixture.
- Mix thoroughly and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the dressing has cooled completely before mixing with the acini de pepe. If you can't find acini de pepe, small pasta shapes or even tapioca can work as substitutes. Adding shredded coconut can enhance the tropical flavor profile. Make sure to drain the fruits well to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Frog Eye Fruit Salad chilled for the best flavor. It makes a delightful side dish for barbecues or family gatherings and pairs beautifully with Grandma Bell's Apple Pie for dessert. Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for extra flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may thicken further, so you can stir in a bit of additional Cool Whip before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frog Eye Fruit Salad contains roughly 272 calories, with 7g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 899mg per serving (39% 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 make Frog Eye Fruit Salad a day in advance?
Yes, it's actually recommended to let the salad sit overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken, creating a more cohesive dish. Just ensure it’s covered well in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for the Cool Whip?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can use whipped cream made from heavy whipping cream and sugar. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can also substitute, but be aware it will change the flavor slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Frog Eye Fruit Salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. Just ensure that the acini de pepe you use does not contain any eggs or other non-vegetarian additives, which is generally the case with most brands.
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).