Tropical Sweet Frog-Eye Pasta Salad
This delightful Tropical Sweet Frog-Eye Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that's perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or festive picnics. Made with tender acini di pepe pasta and a medley of luscious fruits, including juicy pineapple and sweet mandarin oranges, this salad is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The creamy dressing, enriched with a hint of lemon, complements the vibrant fruits and adds a delightful sweetness. Though it takes a bit of time to prepare (best if made a day in advance), the end result truly captivates everyone at the table and is sure to be a hit with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 cup (none)
Flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Pineapple Juice
1 3/4 cups (none)
Egg Yolks
2 (beaten)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Water
3 quarts (boiling)
Cooking Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Acini di Pepe Pasta
1 (16 ounce) package (none)
Mandarin Oranges
33 ounces (drained)
Pineapple Chunks
2 (20 ounce) cans (drained)
Crushed Pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (drained)
Cool Whip
1 (8 ounce) carton (thawed)
Miniature Marshmallows
1 cup (none)
Coconut
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until combined.
2
Gradually stir in the pineapple juice and beaten egg yolks, mixing until smooth.
3
Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. (Remove any cooked egg whites that may form).
4
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let it cool to room temperature.
5
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6
Cook the acini di pepe pasta in the boiling water for 5-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
7
Spread the drained pasta on a baking sheet to cool completely.
8
In a large bowl, gently combine the cooled pasta with the cooled sauce until well coated.
9
Cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
10
The next day, add the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, miniature marshmallows, and coconut to the pasta mixture. Fold gently until well combined.
11
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until chilled. This salad can be stored for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Sweet Frog-Eye Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing, colorful summer salad made with acini di pepe pasta, a variety of fruits including pineapple and mandarin oranges, and a creamy lemon-infused dressing.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses acini di pepe pasta, which are small, round pasta grains.
How long does it take to cook the acini di pepe pasta?
The pasta should be cooked in boiling water for 5 to 8 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What ingredients are needed for the salad dressing base?
The base is made from sugar, flour, salt, pineapple juice, egg yolks, and lemon juice.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Add one tablespoon of cooking oil to the boiling water and rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining.
Why must the pasta and sauce refrigerate overnight?
Refrigerating the combined pasta and sauce overnight allows the flavors to meld together properly before adding the fruit and whipped topping.
What fruits are included in this salad?
The salad contains mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and crushed pineapple.
Should the fruit be drained?
Yes, the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and crushed pineapple should all be drained before being added to the salad.
When do I add the Cool Whip?
The thawed Cool Whip should be folded into the pasta mixture on the second day, along with the fruit, marshmallows, and coconut.
Can I store Frog-Eye Pasta Salad?
Yes, the salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What is the best way to cool the cooked pasta?
After rinsing with cold water, spread the drained pasta onto a baking sheet to allow it to cool completely.
What should I do if cooked egg whites form in the sauce?
If any cooked egg whites form while thickening the sauce over heat, simply remove them from the mixture.
How much pineapple juice is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of pineapple juice.
Is coconut included in this tropical salad?
Yes, one cup of coconut is folded into the mixture on the final day of preparation.
Do I use whole eggs or just yolks for the dressing?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 beaten egg yolks.
What type of oranges are recommended?
The recipe calls for 33 ounces of drained mandarin oranges.
Can I add marshmallows to this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of miniature marshmallows for added sweetness and texture.
What is the purpose of flour in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of flour are used as a thickener for the pineapple juice and egg yolk sauce.
When is the lemon juice added to the recipe?
The lemon juice is stirred into the sauce after it has thickened and been removed from the heat.
How much acini di pepe pasta is needed?
One 16-ounce package of acini di pepe pasta is required.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold salad that should be refrigerated until thoroughly chilled before serving.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sugar to sweeten the sauce base.
Can I make this salad on the same day I serve it?
While possible, it is best made a day in advance to allow the pasta and sauce to set overnight.
What occasions is this salad suitable for?
It is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, festive picnics, or as a dessert-style side dish.
How much salt is used in the pasta water?
One half teaspoon of salt is added to the 3 quarts of boiling water used to cook the pasta.
What size Cool Whip container is needed?
An 8-ounce carton of thawed Cool Whip is required.
How many cans of pineapple chunks are used?
The recipe uses two 20-ounce cans of drained pineapple chunks.
What should be the consistency of the sauce?
The sauce should be cooked over medium heat until it thickens into a smooth consistency.
How do I combine the final ingredients?
Gently fold the oranges, pineapple, Cool Whip, marshmallows, and coconut into the pasta mixture to keep the fruit intact.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
You should use 3 quarts of water to cook the 16-ounce package of pasta.