Heavenly Frog Eye Salad Recipe: A Sweet Delight for Any Occasion

Are you on the hunt for a whimsical, nostalgic, and utterly delicious salad that will leave your taste buds singing with joy? Look no further than Frog Eye Salad! This classic dish combines the delightful flavors of pasta, fruits, coconut, marshmallows, and whipped cream to create a truly divine treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, Frog Eye Salad is sure to steal the show. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert sensation, including ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those watching their carb intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s address some common questions about Frog Eye Salad:

1. What is Frog Eye Salad? Frog Eye Salad is a delightful dessert salad made with acini de pepe pasta, fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream. Despite its unusual name, there are no frog eyes involved! The name actually comes from the small, round pasta pearls that resemble frog eyes when cooked.

2. Can I make Frog Eye Salad ahead of time? Yes, Frog Eye Salad is the perfect make-ahead dish! In fact, it’s even better when chilled for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Simply prepare the salad according to the recipe instructions, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Can I use different fruits in Frog Eye Salad? Absolutely! While pineapple and mandarin oranges are traditional choices, feel free to get creative and use your favorite fruits or whatever you have on hand. Some delicious options include sliced strawberries, kiwi, grapes, or even canned peaches or fruit cocktail.

4. Is Frog Eye Salad keto-friendly or low-carb? Unfortunately, the traditional version of Frog Eye Salad is not keto-friendly or low-carb due to the pasta, sugar, and fruit. However, we’ve included a special keto and low-carb version later in this post, so stay tuned!

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz acini de pepe pasta
• 2 (20 oz each) cans pineapple tidbits, drained and juice reserved
• 1 (20 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 8 oz cool whip, thawed

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the acini de pepe pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice, granulated sugar, flour, and beaten eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, drained pineapple tidbits, drained mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows.
2. Gently fold in the cooled pudding mixture until everything is well coated.
3. Finally, fold in the thawed cool whip until evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Frog Eye Salad for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
2. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and top with roasted peanuts for an extra crunch.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Some Zing: For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a handful of dried cranberries to the salad.
• Get Nutty: In addition to roasted peanuts, you can also try topping the salad with chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Make it Boozy: For an adults-only version, add a splash of coconut rum or amaretto to the dressing for a deliciously boozy kick.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

While the traditional Frog Eye Salad is loaded with carbs and sugar, it’s possible to create a keto-friendly or low-carb version with a few simple substitutions:

• Replace the Pasta: Instead of using acini de pepe pasta, opt for a low-carb alternative such as shirataki noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Sweeten with Stevia: Swap out the granulated sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol to reduce the carb content.
• Choose Low-Carb Fruits: Stick to low-carb fruits like berries or sliced peaches instead of pineapple and mandarin oranges.
• Use Sugar-Free Whipped Cream: Look for sugar-free or homemade whipped cream made with heavy cream and a keto-friendly sweetener.

In conclusion, Frog Eye Salad is a delightful and versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this classic dish is sure to impress. With its playful combination of pasta, fruit, coconut, marshmallows, and whipped cream, Frog Eye Salad is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this heavenly salad today!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you put your own spin on this timeless recipe. Happy cooking!