Frog Eye Salad is a classic American dish by the Pioneer Woman. It is made with a combination of cooked acini de pepe pasta, canned pineapple tidbits, mini marshmallows, and sweetened condensed milk. The dish is then topped with a mixture of whipped topping, cool whip, and some ground nutmeg and cinnamon. This dish is a great side dish to bring to a potluck or family gathering.
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Why You Will Love This Salad
- A crowd pleaser: The combination of sweet and creamy flavors, along with the texture of the pasta and the added ingredients makes it a unique and delicious dish that is sure to please a large group of people.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The sweetness from the pineapple, marshmallows and whipped cream, as well as the tanginess from the mandarin oranges makes for a perfect balance of flavors.
- The addition of coconut: Gives it a nice crunch and adds a tropical touch to the salad.
- Easy to make: The dish is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for busy hosts.
- Unique Option: The combination of flavors and textures make this salad a delicious and unique option compared to traditional pasta salads.
- Great for potlucks and barbecues: This salad is a great dish to bring to a potluck or barbecue because it can be served cold, and is easily transportable.
Pioneer Woman Frog Eye Salad Ingredients
- Acini de Pepe pasta
- canned pineapple chunks
- canned mandarin oranges
- shredded sweetened coconut
- mini marshmallows
- sugar
- salt
- mayonnaise
- whipped cream
How To Make Pioneer Woman Frog Eye Salad
- Cook the acini de pepe pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and marshmallows.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, salt, mayonnaise and whipped cream.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the pasta mixture and stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, this allows the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust sugar and salt as necessary before serving.
How To Store Frog Eye Salad
- In The Fridge: You can store Frog Eye Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Before serving, give it a good stir to redistribute any ingredients that may have settled.
- In The Freezer: It is not recommended to freeze Frog Eye Salad as the texture of the pasta and the whipped cream may change and not be as pleasant to eat when thawed. The mayonnaise also does not freeze well and may separate. However, it’s best to consume it within 3-4 days.
Can I Make Frog Eye Salad Ahead Of Time
Yes, frog eye salad can be made ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
How To Reheat Frog Eye Salad
In The Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frog eye salad in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil.
- Heat it in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir the salad before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
In The Microwave:
- Place the frog eye salad in a microwave-safe dish.
- Heat it in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir the salad before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
In The Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frog eye salad in the air fryer basket.
- Cook it for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir the salad before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
In The Stove:
What To Serve With Frog Eye Salad
Frog Eye Salad can be served as a side dish or as a dessert. There are several options for what to serve with it, depending on the occasion and the main course. Here are a few options:
- As a side dish: Frog Eye Salad pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken or pork. It also goes well with seafood, such as grilled or baked fish.
- As a dessert: It can also be served as a dessert, it pairs well with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Summer barbecue: Frog Eye Salad is a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue, it can be served alongside burgers, hot dogs, and ribs.
- Potluck: This salad is a great option for a potluck or picnic, it can be served alongside other salads and side dishes.
- Holiday dinner: This salad is often served as a side dish during holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
- Buffet: A perfect addition to a buffet table, it can be paired with other pasta salads, and cold dishes.
Recipe Variations
- Fruit Salad version: You can make a fruit salad version of the dish by omitting the pasta and marshmallows, and adding fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
- Cream Cheese version: You can add cream cheese to the mayonnaise mixture for a tangy and creamy flavor. This version is perfect for those who like a less sweet version.
- Savory version: You can make a savory version of this dish by omitting the sugar, marshmallows and whipped cream, and adding savory ingredients such as diced cooked chicken, chopped bacon, or sliced olives.
- Gluten-Free version: You can make a gluten-free version of this dish by using gluten-free pasta such as quinoa or brown rice pasta.
- Low-Fat version: You can make a low-fat version of this dish by using low-fat mayonnaise and whipped cream. You can also replace the sugar with a low-calorie sweetener.
- Vegan version: You can make a vegan version of this dish by using vegan mayonnaise and whipped cream, and replacing the marshmallows with vegan marshmallows.
Vegan, Keto, And Gluten-free Version Of Frog Eye Salad
- Vegan version: You can make a vegan version of this dish by using vegan mayonnaise and whipped cream, and replacing the marshmallows with vegan marshmallows or using other vegan-friendly sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar or coconut sugar.
- Keto version: You can make a keto version of this dish by using a low-carb pasta alternative, such as shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles, and replacing the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Gluten-free version: You can make a gluten-free version of this dish by using gluten-free pasta such as quinoa or brown rice pasta.
Recipe Substitutes
- Pasta Substitute: You can use different types of small-shaped pasta, such as orzo, farfalle, or ditalini in place of acini de pepe pasta. You can also use gluten-free pasta alternatives like quinoa or brown rice pasta.
- Sweetener Substitute: Instead of sugar, you can use a low-calorie sweetener such as stevia or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Mayonnaise Substitute: Instead of mayonnaise, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor, or use a vegan mayonnaise for a vegan version.
- Whipped Cream Substitute: Instead of whipped cream, you can use whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or whipped cream cheese for a tangy flavor.
- Coconut Substitute: Instead of shredded coconut, you can use chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Marshmallows Substitute: Instead of marshmallows, you can use dehydrated fruit, such as cranberries or apricots, or vegan marshmallows.
Other Dressings To Use
- Honey mustard dressing: Mix honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar together to make a tangy and sweet dressing.
- Italian dressing: Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, herbs, and spices together to make a classic Italian dressing.
- Ranch dressing: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning together to make a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Lemon vinaigrette: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic together to make a light and refreshing dressing.
- Thousand Island dressing: Mix ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish together to make a sweet and tangy dressing.
- Balsamic vinaigrette: Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic together to make a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
More Salad Recipes
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes
- Pioneer Woman Pepperoni Potato Salad
- Pioneer Woman Grape Salad
Why Do They Call It A Frog Eye Salad
The origin of the name “Frog Eye Salad” is not clear. It is believed to be called so because the small pasta balls used in the salad, Acini de Pepe, resemble the eyes of a frog. Another theory is that the salad’s texture and ingredients resemble the texture of frog eyes. The salad’s origins are not well-documented, and the name may have come from a particular region or family recipe. It is also known as Acini de Pepe salad, which is the name of the pasta used in the dish. It is a sweet and creamy pasta salad dish, and is often served during holidays and special occasions.
What is Acini de Pepe
Acini de Pepe is a type of tiny, round pasta that is often used in soups and salads. It is made from semolina flour and is about 1 millimeter in diameter. It is also sometimes referred to as pastina, which is Italian for “little pasta.”
Pioneer Woman Frog Eye Salad Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 149.5
- Total Fat 0.6g
- Saturated Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 17mg
- Sodium 246.5mg
- Potassium 90.7mg
- Total Carbohydrate 29.8g
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g
- Sugars 19.4g
- Protein 2.6g
- Vitamin A 4.1%
- Vitamin C 19.8%
- Calcium 1%
- Iron 3.2%
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 149.5
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.6g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Cholesterol 17mg6%
- Sodium 246.5mg11%
- Potassium 90.7mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 29.8g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 19.4g
- Protein 2.6g6%
- Vitamin A 4.1 IU
- Vitamin C 19.8 mg
- Calcium 1 mg
- Iron 3.2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
