Refreshing Frog Eye Creamy Salad

Frog Eye Salad is a retro fruit salad from the 1970s! A refreshingly creamy, pineapple-flavored custard combines with tender acini de pepe to make a tapioca-like dessert, studded with flavorful mix-ins.

Love refreshing fruit filled salads? Make sure to also check out my favorite tropical fruit salad, creamy ambrosia salad, classic Waldorf salad and this addictive creamy grape salad!

What Is Frog Eye Salad?

The exact origin of frog eye salad is unclear, but it has become a long-standing favorite in parts of the U.S., especially Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. In those states, you will find frog eye salad on the table for almost every big occasion! It might even rival pumpkin pie for a Thanksgiving Day feast, depending on the household.

Frog eye salad gained popularity in the 1970s, and is still going strong, growing popular all over the U.S. Its unique, humorous name comes from the tiny round pasta used in the recipe: acini de pepe, or pastina.

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The Ingredients You’ll Need

• Acini de Pepe: Tiny, round pasta, also used in Italian wedding soup, pastina, etc.
• Egg Yolks: For added richness to the custard.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar works best in this recipe.
• Pineapple: Canned, crushed pineapple and pineapple tidbits. Save the juice from the pineapple as well.
• Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges, drained.
• Cool Whip: You can use an equal amount of homemade whipped cream instead.
• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows work best.
• Coconut: Shredded sweetened, or un-sweetened, coconut will both work well.

Is Acini de Pepe the Same as Pastini?

Acini de pepe and pastini are similar, but they are not exactly the same. Acini de pepe is a tiny pasta that resembles small beads or pearls (or frog eyes!). When you get pastini, they could be a variety of different shapes – stars, squares, rice-shaped pasta, and tiny threads, to name a few. You can use pastini if you can’t find acini de pepe.

How to Make Frog Eye Salad

Make the Pasta and Custard:

Cook the acini de pepe according to the package instructions, and then drain it and rinse it in cold water. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, pineapple juice, and flour in a saucepan. Stir and cook until thick and pudding-like.

Combine the Pasta and Custard:

Once the pineapple custard is thick, stir in the cooked pasta. Pour into a big bowl, cool completely, and chill for one hour in the fridge.

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Add the Remaining Ingredients:

Stir the pineapple, mandarin oranges, Cool Whip, marshmallows, and coconut into the pasta mixture.

Enjoy:

Serve immediately, or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Helpful Tips & Variations for Frogged Eyed Salad

• Pasta: If you can’t find acini de pepe, feel free to use pastini as a substitute.
• Marshmallows: Both white and multi-colored marshmallows work well in this recipe, so choose your preference or use a combination of both.
• Add Lemon: Squirt a teaspoon or so of lemon juice into the salad for a sharper taste.
• Cherries: Top the salad with maraschino cherries for a lovely burst of color and flavor. If you like, you could also chop some maraschino cherries, pat them dry with paper towels, and stir them into the salad as well.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in your favorite finely chopped nuts, such as pistachios or pecans, for an added crunchy texture and salty-sweetness.
• Berry Burst: Incorporate fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries into the salad for even more fruity goodness.

How to Store Frog Eye Salad

To store this frog eye salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving.

Can I Freeze This?

I would not recommend freezing frog eye salad, because the creamy custard can separate and turn watery once you freeze and thaw it. Not good! Instead, serve it fresh. You could also halve the recipe to make a smaller batch, if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the main pasta used in Frog Eye Salad?

Acini de pepe, a tiny round pasta resembling small beads, is used to provide a unique texture in the salad.

→ Can I substitute the acini de pepe pasta?

Yes, pastini pasta works as a suitable alternative if acini de pepe is unavailable.

→ How is the creamy custard made?

The custard is made by whisking egg yolks, sugar, pineapple juice, and flour, then gently cooking until thickened to a pudding-like consistency.

→ Is Frog Eye Salad best served chilled or warm?

This salad is best served chilled after allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator.

→ Can Frog Eye Salad be frozen for later?

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy custard may separate and become watery upon thawing.

→ Are there variations to enhance the flavor?

Yes, additions like lemon juice, maraschino cherries, chopped nuts, or fresh berries can add extra flavor and texture.