Frog Eye Salad Recipe
Description:
Frog Eye Salad gets its whimsical name from the use of acini de pepe pasta, resembling tiny frog’s eyes! This delightful dessert is a hit with kids and perfect for potlucks. Bursting with tropical flavors like pineapple and mandarin oranges, it’s a low-cholesterol, kid-friendly treat that’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups acini di pepe pasta
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple
- 2 cans (11 oz each) mandarin orange sections, drained
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 268.6
- Fat: 2.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 158.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 58.8g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 39g
- Protein: 4.5g
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cook pasta in boiling water for 11 minutes. | PT11M |
| 2 | Drain well, rinsing with cold water to cool pasta. | PT2M |
| 3 | In a large bowl, beat reserved pineapple juice, milk, sugar, and pudding mix for 2 minutes. | PT2M |
| 4 | Gently stir in pasta and remaining ingredients. | PT5M |
| 5 | Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. | PT5H |
Step 1: Begin by cooking the acini di pepe pasta in boiling water for precisely 11 minutes until it’s al dente, ensuring it’s neither too soft nor too firm. This delicate balance will give your salad the perfect texture.
Step 2: Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, drain it thoroughly and rinse it under cold water. This step not only stops the cooking process but also cools down the pasta, preventing it from becoming mushy and ensuring it maintains its delightful chewiness.
Step 3: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, milk, sugar, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together vigorously for about 2 minutes until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. This sweet and creamy base will infuse the salad with irresistible flavor and luxurious texture.
Step 4: Carefully fold in the cooked and cooled pasta, along with the remaining ingredients – the drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, mandarin orange sections, mini marshmallows, and flaked coconut. Gently stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed, ensuring each bite is bursting with tropical goodness.
Step 5: Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Frog Eye Salad for at least 5 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the taste experience to new heights. Plus, serving the salad chilled adds a refreshing touch that makes it perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a cool treat any time of the year.
Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, your Frog Eye Salad is ready to be served and enjoyed! Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates, garnish with a sprinkle of additional coconut if desired, and watch as your family and friends dive into this delightful dessert with glee. Whether it’s a potluck, a picnic, or a simple family dinner, this tropical-inspired treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Tips: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the salad for a delightful crunch. You can also experiment with different variations by substituting other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a unique twist on this classic recipe. Additionally, if you’re short on time, you can prepare the salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to develop even further. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to ensure everything is well mixed. So go ahead, whip up a batch of Frog Eye Salad and transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with every delightful bite! 🐸👁️🥗
