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The Best Frog Eye Salad (Acini di pepe Salad)

The Best Frog Eye Salad (Acini di pepe Salad)

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free acini di pepe pasta is used)

Description

The Best Frog Eye Salad (Acini di pepe Salad) is a creamy, sweet pasta salad featuring tiny acini di pepe pasta pearls combined with juicy pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. This nostalgic and refreshing dish balances a smooth, luscious texture with bursts of tropical fruit sweetness and subtle crunch, making it a perfect side for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, and holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Base

  • 1 cup acini di pepe pasta

Creamy Dressing

  • 1 cup whipped topping or mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruits and Extras

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling the acini di pepe pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the creamy dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped topping or mayonnaise with granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
  3. Mix in fruits and extras: Add the drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the dressing.
  4. Combine pasta with the mixture: Fold the cooled acini di pepe pasta into the creamy fruit mixture, ensuring every pearl is coated evenly for that classic frog eye salad texture.
  5. Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the salad to thicken slightly, resulting in the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Use cold cooked pasta to prevent the dressing from melting and becoming runny.
  • Drain fruit thoroughly to avoid watering down the salad.
  • Adjust sweetness carefully by tasting as you go to avoid overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
  • Make ahead for enhanced flavor; chilling overnight deepens the taste.
  • Garnish just before serving with toasted coconut flakes, extra mandarin segments, or mini marshmallows for fresh appeal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: frog eye salad, acini di pepe salad, creamy pasta salad, fruit salad, potluck side, picnic salad, kid-friendly salad, nostalgic recipe

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Find it online: https://dishesbyme.com/the-best-frog-eye-salad-acini-di-pepe-salad/