Introduction
If you’re looking for a fun, nostalgic, and delicious side dish, Frog Eye Salad is a quirky and delightful recipe that’s sure to impress at your next potluck or family gathering. Despite its curious name, Frog Eye Salad doesn’t contain any amphibian parts! The dish gets its name from the small, round pasta, acini di pepe, which resembles tiny frog eyes once cooked.
Frog Eye Salad is a beloved dessert-style salad popular in the United States, especially in the Mountain West. It’s often served at barbecues, church potlucks, and holiday gatherings, offering a sweet and creamy combination of flavors and textures that people of all ages love. The mix of pasta, tropical fruit, whipped cream, and marshmallows may sound unconventional, but it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make Frog Eye Salad, share some helpful tips for success, and offer ideas for customizing the dish. Whether you’ve had this nostalgic treat before or you’re trying it for the first time, Frog Eye Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
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Frog Eye Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes active (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Description
A sweet and creamy dessert salad made with acini di pepe pasta, pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped topping, and marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned fruit)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipped)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Heat some salted water in a saucepan. Add the acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Stir in the reserved pineapple juice, lemon juice, and beaten egg. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a sauce-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Take it off the heat source and let it cool down fully.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows.
- Fold in the dressing and whipped topping: Gently fold the cooled dressing and whipped topping into the fruit and pasta mixture. If using shredded coconut, fold it in at this stage.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the whipped cream to add extra fluffiness. Garnish with additional fruit or coconut if desired.
Notes
Frog Eye Salad is a nostalgic recipe that has been a favorite at family gatherings and potlucks for decades. It’s light, creamy, and sweet, making it the perfect balance for savory main dishes. Don’t let the quirky name fool you—this salad is as delicious as it is unique. The key to making a perfect Frog Eye Salad is to cook the pasta al dente and let the salad chill long enough for all the flavors to meld together. Feel free to get creative with the fruit and experiment with different add-ins to make it your own!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-3 hours (for best flavor)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (pasta)
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Potlucks: Frog Eye Salad is a guaranteed hit at gatherings. Its sweet, creamy flavor and light, fluffy texture make it a refreshing dessert or side dish.
- Unique & Fun: The quirky name and combination of ingredients are sure to spark curiosity and conversation, especially for those who haven’t tried it before.
- Kid-Friendly: With its marshmallows, whipped cream, and sweet fruit, Frog Eye Salad is a dish that kids adore.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal cooking involved. It’s perfect for those who want something easy yet impressive.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs (more on that later).
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
The success of Frog Eye Salad comes down to the combination of key ingredients that give it its signature flavor and texture. Let’s break them down:
- Acini di Pepe Pasta: This small, round pasta is the star of the dish, providing the “frog eyes” in the Frog Eye Salad. If you can’t find acini di pepe, you can substitute it with small pearl couscous, tapioca pearls, or even orzo pasta in a pinch.
- Pineapple & Mandarin Oranges: The sweet, tropical flavors of pineapple and mandarin oranges bring brightness and balance to the rich creaminess of the salad. You can also experiment with other fruits like peaches or grapes.
- Whipped Topping and Whipped Cream: The combination of whipped topping (like Cool Whip) and freshly whipped cream creates a light, fluffy texture that complements the chewy pasta and fruit.
- Mini Marshmallows: Adding marshmallows gives the salad a fun texture and an extra touch of sweetness. If you prefer, you can leave them out or use marshmallow fluff instead.
- Sugar & Flour Dressing: The sweet, custard-like dressing thickened with flour and pineapple juice ties all the ingredients together. You could replace this with a store-bought pudding mix for a shortcut.
How to Make Frog Eye Salad (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the Acini di Pepe Pasta: The pasta is the base of Frog Eye Salad, and it’s important to cook it just right. Boil the acini di pepe until al dente, then rinse it with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. This ensures the pasta retains its chewy texture without becoming mushy.
- Prepare the Dressing: The creamy dressing is what sets Frog Eye Salad apart from other fruit salads. By cooking the sugar, flour, pineapple juice, and egg together, you create a thick, custard-like sauce. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps or curdling.
- Mix the Fruit and Pasta: Once the pasta and dressing are ready, combine them with the canned pineapple, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows. The combination of textures—chewy pasta, soft fruit, and fluffy marshmallows—makes each bite interesting.
- Fold in the Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping to give the salad its signature fluffiness. The whipped topping adds a light, creamy element without making the salad too heavy.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the salad for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the salad is thoroughly chilled before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Whipped Cream: While whipped topping is a convenient option, folding in freshly whipped heavy cream just before serving adds an extra layer of lightness and luxury.
- Chill the Salad: It’s important to give Frog Eye Salad enough time to chill before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the texture to firm up, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Customize the Fruit: Feel free to swap out the pineapple and mandarin oranges for other canned or fresh fruits. Peaches, strawberries, or even blueberries would work well in this salad.
- Prevent Mushiness: Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking stops it from overcooking and prevents mushiness. This ensures that the salad has the perfect texture.
Variations and Customizations
- Make It Tropical: Add other tropical fruits like mango or papaya to give the salad an even more exotic flavor.
- Lighten It Up: To make a lighter version of Frog Eye Salad, use sugar-free whipped topping and pudding mix, and reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the whipped topping and whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version. Make sure to use a dairy-free pudding mix or custard as well.
- Nutty Twist: For added crunch and flavor, stir in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or toasted coconut.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Frog Eye Salad is best served chilled, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerate: Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Make sure the salad is covered well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
- Freezing: While freezing isn’t recommended for this salad due to the whipped topping and fruit, you can make the dressing and pasta ahead of time and freeze them separately. Thaw in the fridge before assembling the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Frog Eye Salad is often served as a side dish or dessert at potlucks and picnics. Here are a few ideas to complete your spread:
- Pair with Grilled Meats: The sweetness of Frog Eye Salad complements savory, grilled meats like chicken, pork, or ribs.
- Serve with Brunch: This salad also makes a fun addition to a brunch buffet alongside quiches, fruit platters, and pastries.
- Holiday Side Dish: It’s a unique option for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, offering a sweet contrast to heavier, savory dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is it called Frog Eye Salad?
The salad gets its unusual name from the small, round acini di pepe pasta, which resembles tiny frog eyes once cooked. Despite its quirky name, this dish is simply a sweet, creamy fruit salad.
Q: Is it possible to prepare the Frog Eye Salad in advance?
Yes! It’s recommended to make Frog Eye Salad a few hours (or even a day) in advance. This facilitates the blending of flavors and appropriate chilling of the salad.
Q: What other fruits can I use in Frog Eye Salad?
Feel free to experiment with different fruits! Some other great options include peaches, grapes, or even maraschino cherries for a pop of color and sweetness.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed Frog Eye Salad, here are a few other fun and fruity dishes you might like:
- Ambrosia Salad: Another classic dessert salad featuring whipped cream, marshmallows, and fruit.
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: A savory pasta salad with a sweet twist, perfect for barbecues and picnics.
- Creamy Fruit Salad: A simple and refreshing fruit salad tossed in a light, creamy dressing.
Conclusion
With its fun name and unique combination of ingredients, Frog Eye Salad is a must-try for your next gathering. Whether you’re making it for a family barbecue, a holiday potluck, or just a casual weeknight dessert, this sweet and creamy salad is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, whip up this delicious dish, and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table!
Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts or share this recipe on social media. Your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to this quirky and tasty classic.
Made with Love Chef Ethan
‘ Cooking Up a Storm at Recipe Castle’
