Frog Eye Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Frog Eye Salad is a fun and delicious dessert salad that combines a surprising mix of ingredients for a refreshing, sweet dish. The acini di pepe pasta gives the salad its signature “frog eye” appearance, while the creamy dressing and sweet fruit make it wonderfully rich and flavorful. The marshmallows add a little extra sweetness, and the pineapple brings a touch of tartness to balance everything out. It’s a light, satisfying treat that’s perfect for a variety of occasions, and it’s easy to make ahead of time!

Ingredients

• 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
• 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup whipping cream (or heavy cream)
• 1 (5 oz) package vanilla pudding mix (instant)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the pasta:

1. Cook the acini di pepe pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.

Make the pudding mixture:

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, sour cream, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Stir in 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice to create a smooth, thickened dressing. You may also need to add more pineapple juice to get your desired consistency.

Prepare the whipped cream:

3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Assemble the salad:

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled acini di pepe pasta, drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, chopped cherries (if using), and marshmallows.
5. Gently fold in the pudding mixture, then carefully fold in the whipped cream until everything is well combined.

Chill and serve:

6. Refrigerate the Frog Eye Salad for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing, creamy dessert salad!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
• Total Time: 2-3 hours (chilling time)

Variations

• Fruit variations: You can use different fruits such as pineapple chunks, strawberries, or grapes to change up the flavor.
• Add nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Marshmallow alternatives: For a different twist, you can use coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips in place of marshmallows.
• Dairy-free version: Use coconut or almond milk instead of cream, dairy-free sour cream, and dairy-free whipped cream to make this dessert suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Frog Eye Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This salad doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy dressing and fruit, so it’s best served fresh or within a few days.
• Reheating: This is a cold dessert, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and serve chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While acini di pepe is traditional for Frog Eye Salad, you can substitute with another small pasta like couscous or orzo if you prefer.

2. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Yes, you can make homemade vanilla pudding and use it as the base, but the recipe will require more steps and cooking time.

3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is best made ahead of time, as the flavors have time to meld in the refrigerator. It can be prepared 1-2 days in advance.

4. Can I skip the whipped cream?

The whipped cream adds a light, airy texture to the salad, but you can skip it if you prefer a denser salad or want to save time.

5. Can I make this without marshmallows?

Yes, you can skip the marshmallows if you don’t like them or want to reduce the sweetness. You could also add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.

6. What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you don’t like sour cream or want to make this recipe lighter, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

7. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Use a dairy-free pudding mix, vegan sour cream, and coconut whipped cream to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

8. How do I make the salad thicker?

If the salad seems too runny, add more instant pudding mix or a little more whipped cream to help thicken it.

9. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, fresh fruit works well in this recipe, but make sure the fresh fruit is properly drained before mixing it into the salad.

10. Can I use a different type of canned fruit?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute mandarin oranges with peaches, apricots, or any other canned fruit you like.

Conclusion

Frog Eye Salad is a nostalgic and fun dessert salad that’s always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. With its creamy dressing, chewy pasta, and sweet fruit, it’s a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for making ahead of time, this salad will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy every bite of this classic dessert!

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