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Frog Eye Salad

11 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + chilling

Makes

24 servings (3/4 cup each)

Updated: Feb. 13, 2024
This frog eye salad recipe gets its name from the tiny acini di pepe pasta that looks like frog eyes when folded in with fruit and a creamy dressing. As much or as little Cool Whip can be added to taste, and if I have some mandarin oranges or maraschino cherries, I add a few to the top. My friends say this side dish is good enough to be a dessert! —Elaine Bailey, Bloomfield, Indiana
Frog Eye Salad
Frog Eye Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-3/4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 package (16 ounces) acini di pepe pasta
  • 3 cans (11 ounces each) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 2 cans (20 ounces each) pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Maraschino cherries, optional

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt. Gradually stir in pineapple juice. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in lemon juice.
  2. Transfer to a large bowl. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Cover surface of dressing with waxed paper; refrigerate until cooled.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a very large bowl; stir in oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, coconut and dressing. Fold in whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. If desired, garnish with cherries.
Frog Eye Salad Tips

Can you use other types of pasta in frog eye salad?

Yes. This frog eye salad recipe calls for acini di pepe, which are very tiny balls of pasta. If you don't have acini di pepe on hand, you can use pastina, which is a small, star-shaped pasta. Orzo is also a good substitute, but it requires a little bit longer cooking time. Brush up more on your pasta shapes before you make your choice.

Can you use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping to make frog eye salad?

Definitely! You can use freshly whipped cream in place of store-bought whipped topping if you like.

How do you serve frog eye salad?

Spoon individual servings of frog eye salad into bowls or parfait glasses, or prepare the fruit salad in a large glass trifle bowl and let guests scoop for themselves. For extra flair, garnish the salad with stemmed maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges or piped whipped cream. Get inspired with more of our delicious (and beautiful) fruit salad recipes.

—Amy Glander, Taste of Home Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 240 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.