Why Make This Recipe
Frog Eye Salad is a delightful dish that brings together a mix of sweet fruits, creamy textures, and playful ingredients. This unique salad is a favorite at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. Its vibrant colors and fun name catch everyone’s attention, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort yet delivering maximum taste. If you’re looking for a refreshing and sweet side dish that everyone will enjoy, then Frog Eye Salad is the perfect choice.
How to Make Frog Eye Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Acini di Pepe pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fruit cocktail, drained
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the Acini di Pepe pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and nuts if you want to add that extra crunch.
Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In another bowl, take the Cool Whip and sweetened condensed milk and mix them until the combination is smooth and well-blended.
Fold Together: Gently fold the creamy mixture into the pasta and fruit mixture until everything is well mixed and coated with the rich goodness.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve the Frog Eye Salad cold. It’s the perfect refreshing side dish to accompany any meal.
How to Serve Frog Eye Salad
Frog Eye Salad is best served chilled. You can present it in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves or spoon it into individual bowls for a more personal touch. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a sweet side for any meal. To elevate your serving, consider topping it with a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a few slices of fresh fruit for decoration. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort!
How to Store Frog Eye Salad
If you have any leftovers (though that might be unlikely!), Frog Eye Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the pasta may start to absorb excess moisture over time, affecting its texture. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers, as some ingredients may settle at the bottom.
Tips to Make Frog Eye Salad
- Rinse the Pasta: Rinsing the Acini di Pepe pasta after cooking helps cool it down and prevents it from sticking together.
- Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a longer period (up to 4 hours) for the best taste and texture.
- Opt for Fresh Fruits: For a fresher taste, consider using fresh diced fruits instead of canned options, although canned fruits are convenient.
- Add More Crunch: If you enjoy a little more texture in your salad, consider adding chopped apples or celery for an extra crunch.
Variation
Frog Eye Salad is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Fruit Swaps: Instead of mandarin oranges, you could use peaches or apricots for a different fruity flavor.
- Nut Choices: If you have a nut allergy, skip the chopped nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
- Flavored Whipped Topping: Experiment with flavored whipped toppings like vanilla or coconut to enhance the salad’s sweet flavor.
- Add a Tangy Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice to give the salad a fresh, tangy kick.
FAQs
What is Acini di Pepe pasta?
Acini di Pepe is a small, round pasta shape that is often used in salads and soups. Its name means "seeds of pepper" in Italian, and it adds a lovely texture to dishes like Frog Eye Salad.
Can I make Frog Eye Salad ahead of time?
Yes, Frog Eye Salad is great for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. It gives the flavors more time to combine.
Is Frog Eye Salad gluten-free?
No, traditional Frog Eye Salad contains Acini di Pepe pasta, which is usually made with wheat. However, you can find gluten-free alternatives of similar pasta types to make a gluten-free version.
Can I use sugar-free or low-fat ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute with sugar-free Cool Whip, reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk, and low-calorie fruit options to make a lighter version of this dish.
What kind of nuts can I add?
You can use a variety of nuts depending on your preference! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are all great options. If you’re looking for something different, consider adding candied nuts for a sweet twist.
Frog Eye Salad is not just a dish; it’s a delightful treat that brings smiles. Enjoy making and sharing this colorful and tasty salad!
Print
Frog Eye Salad
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful mix of sweet fruits and creamy textures, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Acini di Pepe pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fruit cocktail, drained
Instructions
- Cook the Acini di Pepe pasta according to package instructions, drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and nuts if desired.
- In another bowl, mix Cool Whip and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Gently fold the creamy mixture into the pasta and fruit mixture until well combined.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve the Frog Eye Salad cold.
Notes
Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking. For best flavor, chill longer up to 4 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg