Frog Eye Salad is a delightful, retro dessert that brings a smile to everyone who tries it. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this creamy, fruity salad offers a refreshing sweetness that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a special treat at home. Its quirky name comes from the pasta used in the recipe, acini di pepe, which resembles little frog eyes, making it a fun dish for all ages. Whether you’re looking to revive childhood memories or introduce this classic to new friends, Frog Eye Salad is sure to impress.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 260
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 100mg
Why Make This Frog Eye Salad
Frog Eye Salad is a playful addition to any gathering. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a dish that attracts those who love sweet and fruity flavors. The blend of tender pasta, fresh fruit, and fluffy whipped topping creates a delicious contrast in textures that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
How to Make Frog Eye Salad
Creating Frog Eye Salad is straightforward and fun. Follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have a refreshing salad that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup fruit juice (from pineapple or mandarin oranges)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Cook the acini di pepe pasta in boiling water until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Step 2: Mixing
In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar and cornstarch thoroughly. Gradually add the fruit juice from the pineapple or mandarin oranges while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Heat the mixture until it thickens, then remove it from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 3: Cooking
Once the dressing is cool, combine the cooked pasta, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cooled dressing over the mixture.
Step 4: Finishing
Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the salad firm up.
How to Serve Frog Eye Salad
Serve Frog Eye Salad chilled in a large bowl or individual cups. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a few fresh fruit slices on top. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats at summer barbecues or as a sweet end to a holiday meal.
How to Store Frog Eye Salad
Frog Eye Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some moisture over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh after chilling. If it begins to dry out, consider adding a little more whipped topping before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Frog Eye Salad
- Ensure the pasta is adequately rinsed and cooled before combining with the other ingredients; this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a richer flavor.
- For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or maraschino cherries for extra texture and a pop of color.
- Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar if you prefer a lighter taste.
Delicious Variations
- Try adding chopped strawberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version of this salad.
- For a tropical touch, include diced mango or kiwi alongside the pineapple and mandarin oranges.
- Replace the coconut with chopped almonds or walnuts for a nutty flavor and added crunch.
- You can also mix in a bit of lime juice for a zesty kick that balances the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I chill Frog Eye Salad?
You should chill Frog Eye Salad for at least 2 hours to let the flavors combine and the texture set properly.
Can I use other types of fruit?
Absolutely! You can swap in other fruits, such as diced peaches, cherries, or berries, based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
Is Frog Eye Salad gluten-free?
Since acini di pepe pasta is made from wheat, traditional Frog Eye Salad is not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to create a gluten-free version.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, Frog Eye Salad is ideal for make-ahead dishes. You can prepare it a day before and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
When serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir and add a little more whipped topping or fruit juice if it seems dry.
Conclusion
Frog Eye Salad is a charming, nostalgic dish that pleases both kids and adults alike with its sweet combination of fruit, pasta, and creamy dressing. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, this fun salad will steal the show. Its simple preparation makes it a breeze to whip up, so give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the delightful flavors and enjoy sharing this unique dish with your loved ones!
Print
Frog Eye Salad
- Total Time: 150
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful, retro dessert with a unique combination of flavors and textures, perfect for potlucks and picnics.
Ingredients
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup fruit juice (from pineapple or mandarin oranges)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cook the acini di pepe pasta in boiling water until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add the fruit juice while stirring constantly. Heat until thickened, then cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut. Pour the cooled dressing over the mixture.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Ensure the pasta is adequately rinsed and cooled to prevent mushiness. Can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
