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Frog Eye Salad

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Frog Eye Salad is a delightful, creamy dessert salad made with acini di pepe pasta, sweet fruit, and a rich custard-like dressing. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday celebrations, this retro-style salad combines chewy pasta, crunchy fruit, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event. Cool, sweet, and refreshing, it’s a treat everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
  • 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
  • 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup whipping cream (or heavy cream)
  • 1 (5 oz) package vanilla pudding mix (instant)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the pasta: Cook the acini di pepe pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.
  • Make the pudding mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, sour cream, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice to create a smooth, thickened dressing. Adjust with more pineapple juice for desired consistency.
  • Prepare the whipped cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
  • Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled acini di pepe pasta, drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, chopped cherries (if using), and mini marshmallows. Gently fold in the pudding mixture, followed by the whipped cream, until everything is well combined.
  • Chill and serve: Refrigerate the Frog Eye Salad for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Fruit variations: You can use pineapple chunks, strawberries, or grapes for a different flavor.
  • Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch.
  • Marshmallow alternatives: Coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips can be swapped for marshmallows.
  • Dairy-free version: Substitute coconut or almond milk for cream, dairy-free sour cream, and dairy-free whipped cream.
  • Thicker consistency: Add extra pudding mix or whipped cream if the salad seems too runny.

Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/frog-eye-salad/