Frog Eye Salad
Frog eye salad is a classic dessert salad made with tender acini di pepe pasta, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows and whipped topping in a creamy, pudding like dressing. This nostalgic recipe is a make-ahead favorite for potlucks, holiday dinners, and family gatherings.
Servings: 12
Calories: 248kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 1 20 oz can pineapple tidbits drained (reserve juice)
- 1 15 oz can mandarin oranges drained
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups liquid Reserved pineapple juice + enough water to equal 1½ cups
- 1 8 oz tub whipped topping thawed
- 2 cups mini white marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package directions until tender.1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar and flour until smooth.2 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour
- Stir in the reserved pineapple juice and enough water to equal 1½ cups total liquid.1 1/2 cups liquid
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency, about 5–7 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool completely before using.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and coconut.1 20 oz can pineapple tidbits, 1 15 oz can mandarin oranges, 2 cups mini white marshmallows, 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Pour the cooled pudding mixture over everything and stir gently until combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until evenly incorporated.1 8 oz tub whipped topping
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
- Stir gently before serving and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the pasta well so it doesn't stick together.
- The pudding mixture needs to be completely cool before you assemble the salad otherwise the whipped cream will melt.
- This tastes best if you let it chill overnight.
- Feel free to used crushed pineapples instead of tidbits or homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping.
- Not a fan of coconut? Skip it.
- Making this for a holiday? Use colored mini marshmallows for a festive look.
- For a tropical variation, stir in diced mango.
- Want it creamier? Add a few extra tablespoons of whipped topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 319IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg