Recipe

Frog Eye Salad

Tropical Delight Fruit Salad

4.3 out of 5

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Tropical Delight Fruit Salad, a classic American dish that combines sweet fruits, creamy custard, and delicate pasta pearls. This salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise.

Salad› Frog Eye Salad

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

6 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free pasta), Nut-free, Lactose-free (if using lactose-free cream), Halal

Allergens

Wheat (if using regular pasta), Dairy (if using regular cream)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

1 cup (200g) acini di pepe pasta 1 cup (200g) acini di pepe pasta
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup (150g) mango, diced 1 cup (150g) mango, diced
1 cup (150g) kiwi, diced 1 cup (150g) kiwi, diced
1 cup (150g) strawberries, sliced 1 cup (150g) strawberries, sliced
1 cup (150g) seedless grapes, halved 1 cup (150g) seedless grapes, halved
1 cup (150g) mini marshmallows 1 cup (150g) mini marshmallows
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 9g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 28g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Cook the acini di pepe pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mango, kiwi, strawberries, grapes, and mini marshmallows.
3.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
4.
In another bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
5.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the coconut milk mixture until well combined.
6.
Pour the custard dressing over the fruit and pasta mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
7.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
8.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Acini di pepe pasta — Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it can become mushy. Rinse with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
Heavy cream — Ensure the cream is cold before whipping to achieve the best results. Use a chilled bowl and whisk for faster and fluffier whipping.

Tips & Tricks

For a tropical twist, you can add shredded coconut to the salad.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the heavy cream in the custard dressing.
Feel free to customize the fruit selection based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
To make the salad more festive, garnish with fresh mint leaves or toasted coconut flakes.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Serving advice

Serve the Tropical Delight Fruit Salad chilled in individual bowls or as a side dish. It can be enjoyed as a refreshing dessert or as a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats or sandwiches.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider arranging some of the fruit slices on top of the salad in an attractive pattern. Sprinkle a few extra marshmallows on top for a playful touch.