Delicious Gluten-Free Frog Eye Salad Recipe
Are you tired of the same mundane salads that you have been preparing for years? Do you have dietary restrictions and find it hard to come across new recipes that meet your needs? Perhaps, you simply want to indulge in a unique and delicious salad that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Whatever your reason may be, I am here to introduce you to the Gluten-Free Frog Eye Salad Recipe.
Now, before you get any ideas, this recipe does not actually contain frog eyes, but is named so because of its small, round pasta called acini di pepe, which resemble the shape of a frog’s eye.
This salad is not only visually appealing but also perfect for individuals who need gluten-free and dairy-free options as well as egg-free substitutes. It is also great for feeding large groups of people or bringing to potlucks without having to worry about any dietary restrictions.
This salad recipe is a delicious blend of miniature marshmallow, mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and acini di pepe pasta coated in a creamy vanilla pudding sauce with a hint of pineapple juice. It’s the perfect fruit and pasta salad hybrid that can be served as a side dish or combined with other ingredients to make it into a complete meal.
With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps to follow, this recipe is sure to become one of every mom’s favorite dessert salads. So let’s roll up our sleeves and create this tasty and colorful Grape-eye salad that will leave everyone begging for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking to add a twist to your usual fruit salad recipe? Look no further than this gluten-free frog eye salad recipe! This recipe is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, as it features acini de pepe pasta made with rice flour instead of traditional wheat flour.
Not only is this salad free of gluten, but it’s also dairy-free and egg-free, making it a great option for those with multiple dietary restrictions. The combination of crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges adds a tropical sweetness to the dish, while the miniature marshmallows provide a unique texture and flavor.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the homemade vanilla pudding used as the base. Using simple ingredients such as sugar, salt, and tapioca pearls, you can make a creamy pudding that will make your taste buds sing. And if you’re short on time or don’t feel like making pudding from scratch, you can always opt for store-bought pudding instead.
To top it all off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. Simply mix together the pasta, fruit, and vanilla pudding mixture, then let chill in the fridge until ready to serve. It’s the perfect dish for a potluck or BBQ gathering, as it can easily be prepared ahead of time.
So why will you love this recipe? Not only is it delicious and refreshing, but it’s also versatile and accommodating to various dietary restrictions. And let’s not forget about how simple it is to make – even those who are kitchen-averse can tackle this recipe with ease! So go ahead and give it a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredient List
Below are the ingredients needed for this gluten-free frog eye salad recipe. You can easily find these items in your local grocery or health food store. Be sure to read through the list carefully to ensure you have everything you need to create a delicious, healthy dish that everyone is sure to love!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of brown rice flour
- 3/4 tsp of salt
- 21 ounces of canned pineapple (crushed)
- 1 can of canned mandarin oranges
- 2 cups of cooked Gluten-Free Acini De Pepe Pasta (about 1 frog eye pasta box)
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp tapioca starch/Gluten-Free flour mixture
- 1 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- For the pudding:
- 2 cups Almond Milk
- Tapioca pearls
- Eggless Vanilla Pudding mix
You can also make this recipe dairy-free by using alternative options like almond milk and coconut whipped cream. Keep in mind that the pudding mix should be free of eggs.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s move on to the most exciting part of the article, the recipe! Here is how you can make this gluten-free frog eye salad recipe right in your home kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice flour
- 1 cup white rice flour
- ¾ cup tapioca pearls
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple
- 2 cans (15 oz each) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
- 3 cups cooked acini di pepe pasta
- 1 can (10 oz) miniature marshmallow
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- whipped topping
Instructions:
- Cook the acini di pepe according to package instructions and allow it to cool at room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown rice flour, white rice flour, tapioca pearls, salt, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
- In a saucepan, bring water and pineapple juice to a boil over medium heat.
- Slowly add the mixed dry ingredients while whisking until well blended.
- Reduce the heat and cook for approximately two minutes until the mixture thickens while stirring frequently.
- Remove from the heat and stir in beaten egg yolks.
- Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight to chill completely.
- Once chilled, add drained pineapple including crushed pineapples with juice, drained mandarin oranges and their juice, drained pineapple tidbits as well as cooked acini de pepe before folding in miniature marshmallows.
- Finally, top with whipped topping.
Your frog eye salad is ready to serve!
Substitutions and Variations
Do you have dietary restrictions or specific ingredient preferences? Fear not! This recipe has plenty of substitutions and variations to make it work for you.
Gluten-free option: To make this salad gluten-free, simply use brown rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of the regular flour in the pudding mixture. Also, use gluten-free acini de pepe pasta instead of the regular one.
Dairy-free option: If you’re dairy-free, swap out the Cool Whip whipped topping for coconut whipped cream. You can also use coconut or almond milk instead of regular milk in the pudding mixture.
Egg-free option: For an egg-free version, omit the eggs in the pudding mixture and use a vegan vanilla pudding mix or cornstarch to thicken your pudding.
Fruit variations: Customize your salad with different fruits. Swap out the mandarin oranges for fresh berries, pears or kiwi. You could also use canned fruit cocktail instead of crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges.
Toppings variations: If you don’t have miniature marshmallows on hand, substitute them with toasted coconut or chopped nuts. For an extra crunch, add tapioca pearls to your salad.
Pudding variations: Instead of vanilla pudding, try using lemon or lime flavored pudding. Or if you prefer chocolate, go ahead and indulge yourself with chocolate pudding mix!
Overall, whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to experiment with different flavors and textures, there are plenty of ways to make this gluten-free frog eye salad recipe work for you.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve created a delicious gluten-free frog eye salad, it’s time to figure out how to present it. I love serving this summery salad as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks, but you could also make a larger batch and serve it as a light lunch throughout the week.
If you’re serving the salad at a party or event, consider pairing it with other fruit-based dishes, such as fruit salad or a tropical fruit platter. The sweetness of the mandarin oranges and pineapple in the frog eye salad pairs perfectly with fresh berries, kiwi, mango, and pineapple chunks. You could also serve it alongside lightly grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
You can also customize your gluten-free frog eye salad by adding in your favorite flavors to match your personal preferences. If you like your salads with extra crunch, try tossing in some chopped almonds or pecans. If you’re looking for an interesting twist on the flavor profile, add some diced jalapeno or red onion for a bit of extra tanginess.
Overall, this tasty salad is versatile in its pairing options and complements many different types of dishes. It is sure to be a crowd-pleaser wherever it goes!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this Frog Eye Salad is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. The flavors will meld together even more, resulting in an even tastier salad. Plus, this makes it a great option for parties or potlucks, where you can simply bring along the prepared dish and not worry about having to make it on site.
To store the salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If your salad becomes a bit dry after refrigeration, simply add a little bit of milk or pineapple juice and give it a good stir before serving.
When reheating the salad, we recommend doing so in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Be sure not to overheat it, as this can cause the pasta and mini marshmallows to become tough.
Overall, this recipe is very forgiving and easy to store and reheat. It’s great for busy weeknights when you want to have dinner ready ahead of time, or for large gatherings where you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen during the event.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s focus on some pro tips to ensure a perfect Frog Eye Salad recipe. With these simple tricks, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it was made by an experienced chef.
1. Cook the pasta according to the instructions: Acini De Pepe pasta should be cooked to perfection to maintain its texture in the salad. Follow the package directions and don’t overcook it; otherwise, it may turn into mush.
2. Rinse the Pasta: After cooking, rinse the acini de pepe with cold water to stop them from cooking further and keep them from sticking together.
3. Keep Everything Cold: Make sure to chill all parts of the salad separately before mixing them together. A chilled temperature provides a refreshing taste and a crunchy texture.
4. Add Fruit Last: To avoid crushing fruits, add them last after mixing everything else in the bowl.
5. Let it Sit: Once everything is mixed together, let it sit in the fridge for up to an hour or more. This allows everything to meld together, making each bite packed with flavor.
6. Use Different Fruits: Experimenting with different fruits (e.g., apples, berries) is a great way to give your Frog Eye Salad additional nutritional value and introduce new flavors and textures.
7. Customize your Salad: Swap out cool whip for whipped coconut cream or yogurt if you prefer dairy-free options. You can also substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup as an alternative sweetener.
8. Store it properly- Cover your Frog Eye Salad tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to five days if stored correctly.
By following these tips, nothing will stand between you and a delicious gluten-free Frog Eye Salad Recipe!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Gluten-Free Frog Eye Salad recipe is a perfect way to please anyone looking for a healthy, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free option. The combination of acini di pepe pasta, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and miniature marshmallows make this salad easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy. With the added benefits of being customizable, versatile and perfect for make-ahead or serving as a dessert salad, it’s no reason why this dish has become so popular.
By using ingredients like brown rice flour or rice flour instead of traditional wheat flour and tapioca pearls instead of cornstarch in the pudding, this recipe provides a healthier alternative without compromising taste or texture. Overall, this recipe is an excellent choice for those who want to indulge in something sweet without guilt.
So give this Gluten-Free Frog Eye Salad recipe a try today! It’s both refreshing and satisfying; you won’t regret it. Do not hesitate to incorporate your own substitutions into the mix to personalize your experience. Share your thoughts with us on social media on how you made this mouth-watering salad unique to you!
Gluten Free Frog Eye Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown rice flour
- 1 egg
- 21 ounces crushed pineapple, reserve juice
- 21 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 (8 7/8 ounce) box stelline gluten-free pasta (star-shaped, Pasta Mia and Barilla both make one)
- 1 cup miniature marshmallow
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to box directions (~6 minutes). Drain pasta and set aside.
- Drain oranges and return to the can with the drained crushed pineapple. Reserve pineapple juice. Cover and refrigerate fruit.
- Whisk together rice flour, salt, sugar, egg and pineapple juice. Bring to a boil. Pour over pasta and mix well. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (~1 hour).
- Whip whipping cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipping cream, chilled fruit, pasta mixture and marshmallows together. Chill until ready to serve.
- ENJOY!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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