Mom's Creamy Fruit Salad (Print-Friendly Format)
A creamy fruit dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
# Required Ingredients:
01 -
1 cup acini de pepe pasta (small bead macaroni)
02 -
16 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice separately)
03 -
15 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained (reserve juice separately)
04 -
8 oz. jar maraschino cherries, halved, drained (reserve juice separately)
05 -
2 cups reserved juice from drained fruits
06 -
3/4 cup sugar
07 -
1 egg, beaten
08 -
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
09 -
2 Tbsp. cold water
10 -
8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
# How to Make It:
01 -
Cook the acini de pepe pasta according to the package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine the drained fruits with the cooked acini de pepe.
03 -
In a medium saucepan, mix 2 cups reserved fruit juice with 3/4 cup sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a full boil over medium heat.
04 -
Temper the beaten egg by adding 2 tablespoons of the hot juice mixture and stirring. Add the tempered egg back into the boiling juice and whisk rapidly.
05 -
Mix 2 tablespoons cold water with 2 tablespoons cornstarch to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the boiling juice and whisk until thickened.
06 -
Add the thickened juice to the cooked pasta and fruit mixture. Stir to evenly distribute. Refrigerate for several hours until fully set, preferably overnight.
07 -
Add 8 oz. Cool Whip to the pasta and fruit mixture. Stir gently to combine.
08 -
Place leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
# Additional Information:
01 -
Plan ahead as the dish requires chilling time.