Description
Frog Eye Salad is a nostalgic, creamy fruit and pasta salad combining small pasta pearls with tropical pineapple, mandarin oranges, sweet coconut, and mini marshmallows all tossed in a fluffy Cool Whip dressing. This refreshing dessert salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing and Pasta
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup small pasta, like acini di pepe or ditalini
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, drained
- 10-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
- 15-ounce jar mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small pasta like acini di pepe or ditalini and cook until tender but still firm, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, granulated sugar, egg yolk, kosher salt, and cornstarch. Whisk constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and resembles a pudding, about 4-6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and cooled pineapple dressing. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until well combined and creamy.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the pasta absorb the dressing. Serve cold as a refreshing dessert or side dish.
Notes
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds texture after mixing with the dressing.
- The egg yolk in the dressing is cooked during heating to avoid any raw egg safety concerns.
- For best flavor, chill the salad overnight.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute the Cool Whip with whipped cream for a lighter texture.
