Frog Eye Salad(Acini De Pepe Fruit Salad)
Frog Eye Salad is a delightful fruit pasta dish featuring sweet pineapple, mandarin oranges, and creamy Cool Whip, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings with a nostalgic flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups pineapple juice ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 quarts water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) package acini de pepe ⓘ
- 3 (11 oz.) cans mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 2 (20 oz.) cans pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) carton Cool Whip ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar and flour; add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually stir in pineapple juice and beaten eggs.
- Cook over moderate heat, stirring until thickened.
- Add lemon juice and cool mixture to room temperature.
- Bring water, remaining 2 teaspoons salt, and oil to a boil.
- Add acini de pepe pasta.
- Cook at rolling boil until macaroni is done.
- Drain; rinse with water and drain again.
- Cool pasta to room temperature.
- Combine egg mixture with cooked pasta and mix lightly but thoroughly.
- Refrigerate overnight in an airtight container.
- Add drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and Cool Whip.
- Mix lightly and refrigerate until chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture in your Frog Eye Salad, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you can’t find acini de pepe, orzo or couscous can serve as effective substitutes. Ensure the pasta is well-cooled before mixing to avoid wilting the Cool Whip. This dish is perfect for potlucks and pairs wonderfully with Easy No-Knead Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Frog Eye Salad chilled for a refreshing treat. It makes a delightful side dish for barbecue meals or summer picnics. Consider pairing it with Luba'S Raspberry Sweet Potato Casserole for a vibrant meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Frog Eye Salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but can last up to a week if kept cold. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the Cool Whip may change. Simply stir it again before serving if it separates.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frog Eye Salad(Acini De Pepe Fruit Salad) contains roughly 154 calories, with 1g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% 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 Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to prepare it the day before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to add the fruit and Cool Whip shortly before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. This will provide a rich flavor and texture that complements the salad.
Is Frog Eye Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish. However, if you want to ensure that it is fully vegetarian, check that the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially the Cool Whip, do not contain any animal-derived additives.
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).