Refreshing Frog Eye Salad: Best 15 Minute Easy Dessert

You guys have to try this because it is a total classic at my house. Every single family reunion I can remember had a big bowl of this Refreshing Frog Eye Salad sitting right in the middle of the table and it was always the first thing to go. I know the name sounds a little weird and maybe even a bit gross to some people but I promise it is just tiny pasta and fruit. It is so creamy and nostalgic and it honestly tastes like childhood to me. Every time I bring it to a party someone asks about the name and we all end up laughing. The texture is really the best part because you have these little pasta beads mixed with fluffy whipped cream and it just feels like a party in your mouth. You get that sweet fruit and the soft pasta in every bite and it is just so satisfying.

Why You Will Love This Refreshing Frog Eye Salad

The best thing about this Refreshing Frog Eye Salad is how it fits in anywhere you take it. You can serve it as a side dish with some grilled chicken or you can just eat it as a dessert after dinner because it is plenty sweet. It is also super easy to double or even triple the recipe if you have a huge crowd coming over for a barbecue. It has that tropical vibe from the pineapple and mandarin oranges that makes everyone feel like they are on vacation even if they are just hanging out in my backyard. Plus it is very light and refreshing so it never feels too heavy even on a hot summer day.

Ingredients for Your Refreshing Frog Eye Salad

I like to keep things simple so here is what you need to grab from the store. Make sure you get the right pasta because it really makes the dish what it is.

• Acini di pepe pasta which are those tiny little round beads
• Granulated sugar and all-purpose flour to create that sweet thick base
• Whisked eggs to give the custard some structure
• Unsweetened pineapple juice for a nice tangy flavor
• Canned crushed pineapple and pineapple tidbits but make sure you drain them well
• Mandarin oranges also drained so the salad does not get too watery
• Cool whipped topping to make everything light and airy
• Mini marshmallows because they add a little extra sweetness and a fun texture

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Refreshing Frog Eye Salad

Making this is not hard at all but you do have to follow the steps so it turns out right. Just take your time and do not rush the cooling process.

Preparing the Pasta and Custard Base

First you need to get your pasta going in a big pot of water. Boil the acini di pepe until it is al dente which usually takes about ten minutes or so. Drain it and rinse it really well with cold water so it stops cooking and does not stick together. While that is happening grab a saucepan and whisk together your pineapple juice sugar flour and eggs. Cook this over medium heat and you have to keep stirring it. You want it to get thick enough that it coats the back of your spoon. This part is really important because this custard is what holds everything together and gives it that rich flavor. Let both the pasta and this custard mix cool down completely before you move on to the next part.

Assembling the Salad

Once everything is nice and cool you can toss the pasta and the custard together in a large bowl. Now you want to gently fold in your crushed pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges. Be really careful here because those oranges are delicate and you do not want to smash them into mush. Finally fold in your whipped topping and those mini marshmallows. I usually save the marshmallows for the very end so they stay nice and bouncy instead of getting too soft in the juice.

Expert Tips for the Best Texture

Listen to me on this one because patience is the biggest secret to a great Refreshing Frog Eye Salad. You really need to let this salad sit in the fridge for a while. The pasta needs time to soak up all those sweet flavors from the custard base. I suggest putting it in the refrigerator for at least four hours but honestly it is way better if you let it chill overnight. If you add the whipped topping and the fruit after the pasta and custard have had time to rest together the texture will be absolutely perfect and not runny at all.

Storing Your Refreshing Frog Eye Salad

If you actually have leftovers which does not happen often at my house just put them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. Sometimes the dressing settles a bit at the bottom so just give it a quick stir before you serve it again to make it look all pretty and creamy. It is one of those rare dishes that actually tastes just as good on day two.

Frequently Asked Questions

People always ask if they can use a different kind of pasta for this. Look acini di pepe is what makes it a real Frog Eye Salad because of that specific shape. If you really cannot find it anywhere you could use couscous in a pinch but the texture will be a little bit different. Also yes this is the perfect dish to make ahead of time. I actually recommend making the base the day before because it saves you stress and tastes better anyway.

Nutritional Information for Refreshing Frog Eye Salad

Here is a quick look at what is in a serving so you can keep track of things while you enjoy your meal.

• Calories 210 kcal
• Total Fat 5g
• Cholesterol 25mg
• Sodium 110mg
• Total Carbohydrates 38g
• Sugars 22g
• Protein 3g

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