Mom’s Frog Eye Salad, a delightful and creamy pasta salad, is a timeless favorite that’s sure to be a hit at any potluck, family dinner, or summer barbecue. This recipe, sometimes known as Acini Di Pepe Salad, is incredibly easy to make and bursting with fruity flavors that both kids and adults adore. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, look no further than this classic recipe.
Mom’s Frog Eye Salad Recipe
Growing up, Frog Eye Salad was a staple at our family gatherings, and it was always the first dish to disappear. Its perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness makes it an irresistible side dish or even a light dessert. This recipe is so simple, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for every occasion.
Mom’s Frog Eye Salad in individual serving cups
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious salad recipe, this Pioneer Woman-inspired Frog Eye Salad is a must-try. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the wonderful combination of textures and flavors.
Frog Eye Salad Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful Frog Eye Salad, gather these simple ingredients:
- Acini De Pepe Pasta: The star of the salad, providing a unique texture.
- Pineapple Juice: Adds a tropical sweetness and flavor base.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the creamy sauce.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Egg: Contributes to the richness and texture of the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Mandarin Oranges: Adds juicy citrus bursts.
- Pineapple Tidbits: More pineapple goodness for a tropical twist.
- Crushed Pineapple: For a smoother pineapple flavor throughout the salad.
- Miniature Marshmallows: Meltingly sweet and adds a soft texture.
- Shredded Coconut: Provides a subtle nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Cool Whip: Creates the creamy and light base of the salad.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Your Frog Eye Salad
You’ll need a few basic kitchen items to make this recipe a breeze:
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- Strainer or colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Frog Eye Salad
Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this amazing Pioneer Woman inspired Frog Eye Salad:
Ingredients for Mom’s Frog Eye Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the Acini De Pepe pasta according to the package directions.
- Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water in a strainer to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This also helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Allow the pasta to cool completely. You can gently toss it with a fork occasionally to prevent clumping. Some recipes suggest adding a pinch of salt to the boiling water to further prevent sticking.
Cooked Acini De Pepe pasta in a bowl
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the pineapple juice, sugar, flour, salt, and beaten egg.
- Cook and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Ensure you stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming and to avoid scorching the mixture at the bottom of the pan.
- The mixture should thicken noticeably but avoid letting it come to a full roaring boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a crucial tang that balances the sweetness.
- Set the sauce aside to cool completely. It’s important to remove it from the hot stove to speed up the cooling process.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled Acini De Pepe pasta and the cooled creamy sauce. Make sure both are fully cooled before combining. If they are still warm, they will melt the Cool Whip and make your salad runny.
- Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, miniature marshmallows, and shredded coconut.
- Finally, fold in the Cool Whip until everything is evenly combined and the salad is creamy and well mixed. Be gentle when folding to maintain the light and airy texture of the Cool Whip.
Folding in remaining ingredients in glass bowl
- Refrigerate the Frog Eye Salad until you are ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to set slightly.
- This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for a crowd. If you need to double the recipe, ensure you have a very large bowl or use two separate bowls for mixing.
Mom’s Frog Eye Salad Recipe in a white bowl
Tips for the Best Frog Eye Salad
- Cooling is Key: Ensure both the pasta and the sauce are completely cooled before combining with the Cool Whip to prevent a runny salad.
- Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Cook the sauce until it thickens but avoid boiling it vigorously.
- Gentle Folding: Fold in the Cool Whip gently to keep the salad light and airy.
- Make Ahead: Frog Eye Salad is perfect to make ahead of time. It can be refrigerated for several hours, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
- Customize Your Fruit: Feel free to add other fruits like grapes or strawberries for a personalized twist.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Frog Eye Salad
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this salad comes together quickly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Its sweet and fruity flavor is loved by everyone, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for potlucks and parties as it can be prepared in advance.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish, a light dessert, or a refreshing snack.
- Nostalgic: This classic recipe brings a touch of comforting nostalgia to any meal.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Frog Eye Salad
This Pioneer Woman-inspired Frog Eye Salad recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Its delightful combination of creamy sweetness and fruity bursts will make it a family favorite in no time. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure deliciousness!
